Chemistry
One Small Quantum Dot, One Giant Leap for Nanoscience: Moungi Bawendi ’82 Wins Nobel Prize in Chemistry
Moungi G. Bawendi ’82 was among three scientists awarded the 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry “for the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots,” the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced in a press release Wednesday morning.
Yoshito Kishi, Organic Chemist Who Climbed ‘Mount Everest’ of Synthesis, Dies at 85
Yoshito Kishi, a Harvard emeritus chemistry professor known for his contributions to breast cancer treatment, died on Jan. 9.
Embattled Harvard Chemistry Professor Charles Lieber Retires
Charles M. Lieber, the Harvard chemistry professor convicted of lying to federal investigators in 2021, quietly retired last month, a Harvard spokesperson confirmed Tuesday.
Christopher Walsh ’65, Renowned Biochemist and Harvard Medical School Professor, Dies at 78
Christopher Walsh ’65, a renowned biochemist and Harvard Medical School professor, died on Jan. 10 at the age of 78. Throughout his career, Walsh made significant contributions in the areas of enzyme function, metabolic pathways, and antibiotic biosynthesis.
Professor of Chemical Biology Explores Quantum Topological Materials
Harvard Assistant Professor of Chemical Biology Suyang Xu is working towards expanding the application of topological materials — new materials in the quantum field with the potential to significantly improve our ways of saving information.
Convicted Harvard Professor Charles Lieber Moves For New Trial to Rectify ‘Manifest Injustice’
Attorneys for Harvard professor Charles M. Lieber filed a motion Monday for an acquittal or new trial, over a month after he was convicted in federal court on six felony counts.
Following Charles Lieber’s Conviction, ‘Shock’ and Sadness Linger Among His Harvard Colleagues
Following Chemistry professor Charles M. Lieber’s conviction last month, Harvard scientists say they are “shocked” and “saddened” about the prolific research chemist's fall from grace — and apprehensive about the future of international scientific collaboration.
Judges Skeptical as Lieber Reiterates Harvard Should Pay His Legal Fees in Appeal Hearing
Justices on the Supreme Judicial Court appeared skeptical Wednesday as lawyers for former Harvard Chemistry chair Charles M. Lieber — who is preparing for trial on federal criminal charges — argued on appeal that Harvard should be obligated to pay for his legal defense.
Harvard Chemists Use Dyes as a New Data Storage Method
Harvard chemists developed a new data storage method using fluorescent dyes that may be much more durable and cost-efficient than traditional storage methods.
Lieber Prepares for Impending Trial on Federal Charges As He Battles Incurable Cancer
Attorneys for former Chemistry chair Charles M. Lieber said during a status conference that Lieber’s cancer diagnosis and deteriorating health call for an expedient trial.
Harvard Researchers Reprogram Botox for Therapeutic Use for the First Time
Harvard researchers have evolved botulinum neurotoxins — commonly known as botox — to selectively target different proteins for the first time, presenting new opportunities for the potential treatment of a wide variety of medical conditions.
As Scientists Rally to His Defense, Lieber Rules Out Plea Deal, Plans To Stand Trial
Former Harvard Chemistry chair Charles M. Lieber is set to go to trial on federal charges after his attorney eliminated the possibility of a plea in a Friday status conference.
Ten Stories That Shaped 2020
The past twelve months were a year like no other for Harvard and the world. Under the backdrop of a once-in-a-century pandemic, students took classes from all over the globe, while pushing for social change at the University and on the political stage. Here, The Crimson reviews ten stories that defined 2020 at Harvard.
Chemistry Chair Arrested on Federal Charges
Harvard Chemistry chair Charles M. Lieber — a University Professor renowned for his contributions to nanotechnology — was charged in federal court in January for failing to disclose funding from the Chinese government.
Former Chemistry Chair's Defense Could Tie Federal Charges to DOJ China Initiative, Experts Say
Legal experts say recent court filings indicate University Professor Charles M. Lieber — charged with lying to federal officials investigating his funding sources and ties to China — may try to convince jurors that Lieber was swept up in the Trump administration’s broader anti-China campaign.
Harvard Files Opposition in Chemistry Prof. Lieber Indemnification Suit
Harvard filed an opposition Thursday in response to Chemistry professor Charles M. Lieber’s lawsuit alleging Harvard is contractually obligated to pay for his legal defense against federal fraud charges.
Emily Balskus Becomes First Female Harvard Scientist to Win Waterman Award
The Waterman Award recognizes researchers under age 40 “who demonstrate exceptional individual achievements in scientific or engineering research in NSF-supported fields,” according to the NSF. Awardees each receive 1 million dollars to support research in their field.
Harvard Scientists Illuminate Light’s Surprising Impact on Ultra-Cold Chemistry
Harvard researchers uncovered the surprising role of light in ultra-cold chemical reactions, according to an article published last month in the scientific journal Nature Physics.
Former Chemistry Chair Lieber Indicted on Four Additional Felonies for Tax Offenses
Federal authorities charged former Harvard Chemistry chair Charles M. Lieber in a superseding indictment with tax offenses for failing to report income he received from Wuhan University of Technology, the Department of Justice announced Tuesday.
Former Harvard Chemistry Chair Lieber Pleads Not Guilty to Federal Charges
Former Harvard Chemistry department chair Charles M. Lieber pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges that he lied to federal investigators about research funding he received from China.
Charles Lieber
Charles M. Lieber, Harvard's Chemistry department chair, was recently charged by the federal government for allegedly failing to disclose funding from the Chinese government.
Mallinckrodt Laboratory
Chemistry professors Theodore A. Betley and Daniel Kahne currently serve as interim co-chairs of the Chemistry department, located in the Edward Mallinckrodt Chemical Laboratory.
As Coronavirus Spreads, False Theories Linking Harvard Professor Lieber to Disease’s Origin Proliferate Online
As the novel coronavirus spreads, conspiracy theories about its origin have spread with it — including those falsely alleging that the virus was made and sold by Harvard Chemistry professor Charles M. Lieber.
Senator Marco Rubio Urges Small Business Administration to Re-Examine Grant Policies in Wake of Lieber Arrest
In the wake of Harvard Chemistry department chair Charles M. Lieber’s arrest, United States Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) urged the U.S. Small Business Association in February to ensure recipients of its grant programs do not have connections to governments such as China.
Post-Lieber Arrest, Bacow Says He Stands By Harvard’s Funding Disclosure Policies
In the wake of federal charges brought against Chemistry department chair Charles M. Lieber for failing to disclose funding from a Chinese university, University President Lawrence S. Bacow said in an interview Monday that Harvard relies upon the “honesty and good faith” of its faculty to disclose external funding.