The American Chemical Society (ACS) has named two prominent faculty members from the College of Chemistry as recipients of its prestigious 2027 National Awards, honoring their pioneering research contributions, scientific leadership, and impact on global sustainability.
They include:
Peidong Yang, professor of chemistry and materials science and engineering. Professor Yang was recognized with the ACS Award for Nanochemistry, for his transformative leadership in nanoscience, low-dimensional functional architectures, and semiconductor nanowires. His groundbreaking work in artificial photosynthesis – integrating biological and semiconductor components to convert sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into chemical fuels – has established fundamental building blocks for carbon-neutral chemical manufacturing and renewable energy storage.
Ronald C. Cohen, professor of chemistry and of earth and planetary science. Professor Cohen was honored with the ACS Award for Creative Advances in Environmental Science and Technology for his visionary research in atmospheric physical chemistry and environmental monitoring. His work has advanced our fundamental understanding of atmospheric nitrogen oxide chemistry, urban air quality, and greenhouse gas dynamics. Through the development of high-precision analytical instruments and dense urban observation networks (such as the BEACON project), his research provides vital, science-based data to support climate policy and public health.
The ACS National Awards celebrate scholars whose discoveries advance the chemical sciences and address critical global challenges in energy, environment, and materials science.
To learn more about the 2027 ACS National Award recipients, read the full announcement in Chemical & Engineering News.