University of Chicago Department of Chemistry

The emergence of translation was a pivotal event in the early evolution of life, yet the mechanistic steps linking the RNA World to modern translation remain poorly understood. This Wednesday, June 17th, Dr. Aleksandar Radakovic will describe his research in a seminar investigating both the primordial role of RNA aminoacylation and the subsequent evolution of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs), the enzymes responsible for establishing the genetic code.

The discussion will cover findings regarding how aminoacylated RNAs enhance chemical reactivity to facilitate ribozyme assembly, as well as insights into how modern aaRS specificity evolved. Additionally, Dr. Radakovic will discuss ongoing efforts to extend evolutionary inference deeper into the past through structure-based phylogenetic approaches.

"The Origin and Evolution of RNA Aminoacylation" | Wednesday, June 17, 2026 | 2:15 PM | Kent 120
For more details, visit https://shorturl.at/QReNb

Custom protein binders are crucial for treating disease, but discovering them usually takes months.

Recently published in PNAS, new research from the Bryan Dickinson lab has introduced an innovative new platform that completely rewrites that timeline.

Spearheaded by researchers Joshua A. Pixley and Matthew Styles, the PANCS-spec-Binders platform screens billions of synthetic variants to isolate high-fidelity custom binders in just days. By eliminating a notorious biochemical bottleneck and removing the need for secondary screenings, their work opens the door for rapid, highly targeted therapeutic discovery.

Read the full story behind this significant breakthrough and the culture of innovation at UChicago driving it home: https://shorturl.at/ss9Ba

New UChicago Platform Rapidly Generates Custom Protein Binders to Target Disease How an innovative UChicago laboratory built a fast-moving platform to target "undruggable" cancer proteins and train the next generation of scientific leaders

At the end of this month, the 2026 Chicago Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Symposium will bring together researchers for 1.5 days of intensive scientific exchange focused on the latest developments in drug discovery and molecular biology.

The event features a comprehensive program of expert lectures, interactive poster sessions, and professional networking opportunities. With keynote speakers Dr. Jim Wells and Dr. Benjamin Cravatt, the event will include presentations from UChicago Chemistry faculty members Yamuna Krishnan and Jie Zhou. Attendees must register by tomorrow, May 20, to secure their spot and access the full schedule of sessions. Register today via Eventbrite. https://shorturl.at/ElwXD

The Andrew Ferguson Lab at the University of Chicago, in collaboration with the Allen Liu Lab at the University of Michigan, has shown a new advancement in bio-design that borrows a survival trick from the tardigrade. By combining the Liu Lab’s experimental synthetic biology with advanced computational simulations—provided by UChicago graduate student and co-author Jianming Mao—the team revealed how unique proteins form a gel-like "molecular shield" to protect synthetic cells from extreme dehydration. This cross-institutional discovery offers a transformative roadmap for bio-preservation, potentially enabling the global distribution of life-saving vaccines without the need for refrigeration. Link: https://shorturl.at/NCqkJ

Precision is the heart of nanotechnology. Nowhere is that more evident than in the work of University of Chicago President and renowned chemist Paul Alivisatos, whose latest study in ACS Nano provides a definitive look at the mechanics of photochemical propulsion.

Joining with a team of researchers from UC Berkeley, the group explored the dynamics of Janus micromotors—asymmetric particles that convert light into directed motion. By moving beyond bulk observations to a single-particle framework, the team has quantified the exact force behind the "swim," capturing measurements in the 4.5–6.2 pN range.

The Result: A new blueprint for bridging the gap between chemical energy and mechanical work. Link: https://shorturl.at/hyAS8

This Friday, join us as we welcome Dave Nicewicz (UNC Chapel Hill) for a lecture on the evolution of organic photoredox catalysis.

From mimicking biological single-electron pathways to advancing natural product synthesis and radiolabeling technology, explore how organic salts are being harnessed to develop the next generation of pharmaceuticals and materials.

May 8th | 12:45 PM | Kent 120 | Link: https://shorturl.at/zzMK9

We are thrilled to announce that the World Association of Theoretical and Computational Chemists (WATOC) has named Professor Laura Gagliardi the recipient of the 2026 Schrödinger Medal.

One of the field’s highest distinctions, the award recognizes Gagliardi’s “seminal work in multireference electronic-structure theory and its transformative applications in catalysis, carbon capture, and water harvesting.” This honor is particularly significant as 2026 marks the centenary of the Schrödinger equation—the very foundation of modern quantum chemistry.

By developing MC-PDFT and LAS methods, Gagliardi has pioneered the high-fidelity simulations necessary to design advanced materials for environmental remediation. As Director of the Center for Advanced Materials for Environmental Solutions (CAMES) and the Catalyst Design for Decarbonization Center (CD4DC), she continues to leverage quantum mechanics to drive global sustainability.

“These achievements have been possible because I have had the privilege of working in the highly collaborative and intellectually inspiring environment of the University of Chicago, with exceptional students, postdocs and colleagues,” Gagliardi said.

Her recognition reaffirms UChicago’s commitment to research that aligns mathematical rigor with the most urgent needs of the global community. Please join us in celebrating Professor Gagliardi on this well-deserved honor. Link: https://shorturl.at/qxazC

Professor Laura Gagliardi Receives Prestigious Schrödinger Medal Marking the centenary of the Schrödinger equation, the 2026 award honors Gagliardi’s transformative work in climate solutions and multireference quantum theory

The countdown is on for "MXene: The Next Horizon," the 4th International Conference hosted at the University of Chicago this August. Organized by University of Chicago Department of Chemistry professors Dmitri Talapin and John Anderson, this event brings together global experts to explore the latest breakthroughs in 2D carbides and nitrides.

If you want to be part of the conversation shaping the future of nanomaterials, now is the time to act, as abstract submissions close: May 15, 2026

Join us in Chicago just before Fall ACS for three days of high-impact science, networking, and innovation. Scan the code on this post or click the link to submit today! https://shorturl.at/fp1nX

Join the University of Chicago Department of Chemistry tomorrow for a seminar featuring Prof. Lutz Ackermann from Georg-August-University Goettingen!

Prof. Ackermann will be discussing his groundbreaking work in molecular synthesis, focusing on the transition from late-stage functionalization to metallaelectro-catalysis. If you're interested in C-H activation, sustainable base metal catalysis, or the intersection of data science and chemistry, you won't want to miss this.

Friday, May 1st | Kent 101 | 1:00 P.M.

The Details: https://shorturl.at/jHSB0

The Sarah B King Lab has just achieved a stunning feat in chemical physics. Using a custom-built, ultrafast "camera," the UChicago researchers have successfully captured real-time "films" of light-matter hybrid particles—known as polaritons—traveling over long distances.

The most exciting part? They’ve found a way to "steer" these particles, allowing them to go the distance without losing energy. This is a potentially massive leap forward for the future of optical circuits and quantum technology.

Click the link to see how UChicago chemists are "filming" the future: https://shorturl.at/WSAIc