College of Chemistry

Chemistry across continents: How Africa is shaping Berkeley's next generation of scientists

January 15, 2026
By Sarah C.P. Williams
A record number of students and faculty in Berkeley’s College of Chemistry have ties to Africa, and the continent is inspiring their science and career paths.

Alumna Frances Arnold is only the third Millennium Tech Prize winner to receive the Nobel Prize

October 26, 2018
by Technology Academy Finland

Frances Arnold receiving the Millennium Tech Prize

The 2016 Millennium Technology Prize winner Frances Arnold won the 2018 Nobel prize in chemistry and is now the third person to have won these two prestigious prizes. Professor Arnold, who is on the faculty at the California Institute of Technology, won the Nobel prize for her career-long work in directed evolution."

New SURD cohort set for success in advanced sciences

September 5, 2025
By Veronica Bartell | College of Chemistry
The second SURD cohort was on campus in June, having the opportunity to experience in-depth research and training that would ideally better prepare them for future careers in research and industry.

Markita Landry receives the 2020 Emerging Leader in Molecular Spectroscopy Award

October 19, 2020
UC Berkeley, College of Chemistry Press Release
By combining single-molecule biophysics and nanomaterial-polymer science, Markita Landry Assistant Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley has developed new tools for understanding biological systems.

Berkeley researchers demonstrate new technique for surface-sensitive second harmonic generation utilizing non-linear optics with a table-top laser

May 19, 2021
UC Berkeley, College of Chemistry Press Release

AAAS cover -- Michael Zuerch announcement

On the cover of Science Advances. Artist’s impression of the XUV-SHG on a titanium foil. Credit: Ella Marushchenko

Interfaces and surfaces are of central importance to many open scientific questions. For example, in order to design more energy-efficient all solid-state batteries to fuel next-generation electric cars, we need to better understand...

UC Berkeley researchers illuminate material complexity with nonlinear x-ray spectroscopy

August 10, 2021
UC Berkeley, College of Chemistry Press Release

Nano letters cover art from the lab of Michael ZuerchOn the Cover: Artist rendering of second harmonic generation spectroscopy in the extreme ultraviolet state. Illustration by Ella Marushenko. (Nano Letters, Vol 21, No 14)

(SHG) spectroscopy in the extreme ultraviolet is an emerging technique used to study inversion symmetry...

Extreme ultraviolet probe aids in discovery of dark matter

November 18, 2020
UC Berkeley, College of Chemistry Press Release

Michael Zuerch assembles a cryogenic sample holder.

Image: Michael Zuerch demonstrates the assembly of a cryogenic sample holder. (Photo: Michael Barnes)

The last decade has been marked by a series of remarkable discoveries identifying how the universe is composed. Currently it is understood that the mysterious substance dark matter makes up 85% of the matter in the universe. This observable...

Elemental Leadership: Roya Maboudian announced as new Associate Dean of Undergraduate Affairs

May 2, 2024
By Veronica Bartell | College of Chemistry
The college is pleased to announce the new Associate Dean of Undergraduate Affairs, Roya Maboudian. Since 1993, Roya has consistently exemplified excellence in research, teaching, service, and leadership.

Robert Bergman presents 2018 G.N. Lewis Memorial Lecture

October 24, 2018
by Marge d'Wylde | College of Chemistry
Robert Bergman, the Gerald E. K. Branch Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Chemistry and Professor of the Graduate School, presented the 65th lecture in honor of Gilbert Newton Lewis (Dean of the College from 1912-1941).

Omar Yaghi: 2019 Innovator of the Year

April 19, 2020
By Patricia Miller | Innovation and Tech Today
Omar Yaghi, the James and Neeltje Tretter Chair
 Professor of Chemistry at UC Berkeley, has been announced as the 2019 Innovator of the Year by Innovation & Tech Today.