Research – MIT Department of Chemistry

MIT chemists showed they can double the strength of common polymers, including polystyrene and a type of rubber used to make shoe soles.

MIT chemists design impact-resistant plastics

Introducing weaker bonds into polystyrene and rubber helps these materials dissipate energy, making them more resistant to destructive forces.

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Daniel L.M. Suess Promoted to Full Professor

Suess’ promotion will go into effect on July 1, 2026.

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Ira Martyniak sits in the cockpit of a small plane.

Graduate Student Spotlight: Ira Martyniak

Chemistry Graduate Student Ira Martyniak describes her research and answers 20 random questions as part of the Graduate Student Spotlight series.

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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.

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Headshots reflecting the individuals listed below.

Seven Great 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.

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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.

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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.

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XtalPi AI for Science Fellows to present Virtual Symposium

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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