Research – MIT Department of Chemistry

The Haystack 37m Telescope is contained in the large radome seen on the right, a structure that protects the telescope’s precision reflector from weather.

The Haystack 37m Telescope: A new era of astrophysical research

The legendary radio astronomy telescope returns to its science and educational mission at MIT Haystack Observatory.

Headshots reflecting the individuals listed below.

Seven Commendable Mentors receive the Department of Chemistry Mentorship Spotlight Award

The winners were nominated by students, postdocs, faculty, and staff in recognition of their exceptional commitment to mentorship.

Read the Article

MIT researchers have discovered and isolated a new molecule, known as a dioxaborirane (not shown), which is made of one boron and two oxygen atoms. Such compounds were previously thought to be too unstable to isolate.

MIT chemists discover and isolate a new boron-oxygen molecule

The discovery of dioxaborirane could expand the chemistry of boron-based reagents, providing new tools for oxidation reactions.

Read the Article

Alison Wendlandt smiles in front of a white board.

Using light to push stereochemistry uphill

While chemistry usually follows the downhill pull of thermodynamics, Alison Wendlandt is creating higher‑energy stereoisomers in the final stages of synthesis.

Read the Article

XtalPi AI for Science Fellows to present Virtual Symposium

All are welcome to join the symposium via Zoom on Monday, May 11, 2026.

Read the Article

Alvin Meng smiles in front of the Boston skyline.

Alvin Meng named 2026 Hertz Fellow

The Hertz Fellowship is the nation’s most competitive doctoral fellowship in science and technology.

Read the Article

A lab member glances through a mircoscope in a darkened room.

Single-molecule tracker illuminates workings of cancer-related proteins

Researchers use custom-built microscopy and nanotechnology to tag and follow the activity of individual proteins in real time.

Read the Article

Top row, l-r: Denisse Córdova Carrizales, Ria Das, and Ronak Desai. Bottom row, l-r: Stacy Godfreey-Igwe ’22, Arya Rao, Ananthan Sadagopan ’24.

Six from MIT awarded 2026 Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans

Fellowship honors contributions of immigrants to American society by awarding $90,000 in funding for graduate studies.

Read the Article

Simon Friedman works in a lab with three graduate students.

Chemist Brings Light to Diabetes Fight

Course 5 alum Simon Friedman '89 was recently featured on the MIT Alumni Association's Slice of MIT blog.

Read the Article

Professor Steve Buchwald smiles in front of a blue background.

Stephen L. Buchwald wins 2026 Willard Gibbs Award

This prestigious honor has been awarded annually for over 100 years by the Chicago Section of the American Chemical Society.

Read the Article

Chonghe Zhang smiles in an outdoor setting.

Chonghe Zhang Named 2026 ACS Inorganic Young Investigator

Zhang will showcase his award-winning research at the American Chemical Society's Division of Inorganic Chemistry Young Investigator Symposium this fall.

Read the Article

MIT ranks No. 1 in 12 subject areas in the 2026 QS World University Rankings, the organization announced.

QS World University Rankings rates MIT No. 1 in 12 subjects for 2026

The Institute also ranks second in seven subject areas.

Read the Article

“I hope my work can provide clarity for patients and physicians, and empower them to be confident in their options for care,” senior Alex Tang says.

Enduring passions for medicine, journalism, and triathlons

As an aspiring physician-scientist and editor-in-chief of The Tech, senior Alex Tang has found inspiration in the lives of patients and others in his community.

Read the Article