George M. Whitesides: Difference between revisions
Changing short description from "American chemist and professor of chemistry" to "American chemist" (Shortdesc helper) |
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| death_date = |
| death_date = |
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| death_place = |
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| nationality = [[United States|American]] |
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| field = [[chemistry]], [[nanotechnology]] |
| field = [[chemistry]], [[nanotechnology]] |
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| work_institution = [[Harvard University]]<br />[[Massachusetts Institute of Technology]] |
| work_institution = [[Harvard University]]<br />[[Massachusetts Institute of Technology]] |
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| alma_mater = [[Harvard University]]<br />[[California Institute of Technology]] |
| alma_mater = [[Harvard University]] ([[B. A.|BA]])<br />[[California Institute of Technology]] ([[PhD]]) |
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| doctoral_advisor = [[John D. Roberts]]<ref name="ST. FLEUR">{{cite news|last1=ST. FLEUR|first1=NICHOLAS|title=John D. Roberts Dies at 98; He Revolutionized the Field of Organic Chemistry|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/07/science/john-roberts-organic-chemistry.html|access-date= |
| doctoral_advisor = [[John D. Roberts]]<ref name="ST. FLEUR">{{cite news|last1=ST. FLEUR|first1=NICHOLAS|title=John D. Roberts Dies at 98; He Revolutionized the Field of Organic Chemistry|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/07/science/john-roberts-organic-chemistry.html|access-date=February 1, 2018|work=The New York Times|date=November 6, 2016}}</ref> |
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| doctoral_students = [[Craig L. Hill]], [[Chi-Huey Wong]], [[Younan Xia]], [[Milan Mrksich |
| doctoral_students = [[Craig L. Hill]], [[Chi-Huey Wong]], [[Younan Xia]], [[Milan Mrksich]] |
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| thesis_title = The configurational stability of primary Grignard reagents. Applications of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to the study of molecular asymmetry |
| thesis_title = The configurational stability of primary Grignard reagents. Applications of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to the study of molecular asymmetry |
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| thesis_year = 1964 |
| thesis_year = 1964 |
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| thesis_url = https://thesis.library.caltech.edu/585/1/Whitesides_gm_1964_.pdf |
| thesis_url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180924033502/https://thesis.library.caltech.edu/585/1/Whitesides_gm_1964_.pdf |
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| known_for = |
| known_for = [[Corey–House–Posner–Whitesides reaction]]<br />Contributions in the fields of [[NMR spectroscopy]], [[organometallic chemistry]], [[molecular self-assembly]], [[soft lithography]],<ref>{{Cite journal |
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| last1 = Weiss | first1 = P. S. |
| last1 = Weiss | first1 = P. S. |
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| title = A Conversation with Prof. George M. Whitesides: Pioneer in Soft Nanolithography |
| title = A Conversation with Prof. George M. Whitesides: Pioneer in Soft Nanolithography |
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| year = 2007 |
| year = 2007 |
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| pmid = 19206522 |
| pmid = 19206522 |
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| doi-access = free |
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}}</ref> [[microfabrication]], [[microfluidics]], and [[nanotechnology]]. |
}}</ref> [[microfabrication]], [[microfluidics]], [[soft robotics]], [[paper-based analytical devices]], and [[nanotechnology]]. |
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| prizes = |
| prizes = [[ACS Award in Pure Chemistry]] <small>(1975)</small><br />[[Arthur C. Cope Award]] <small> (1995)</small><br />[[National Medal of Science]] <small>(1998)</small><br />[[Kyoto Prize]] <small>(2003)</small><br />[[Welch Award in Chemistry]] {{small|(2005)}}<br>[[Dan David Prize]] <small>(2005)</small><br />[[Linus Pauling Award]] <small>(2005)</small><br />[[Priestley Medal]] <small>(2007)</small><br />R&D Magazine – Scientist of the Year <small>(2007)</small><br />[[Othmer Gold Medal]] <small>(2010)</small><br />[[King Faisal International Prize]] <small>(2011)</small><br />[[IRI Medal]] <small>(2013)</small><br />[[Kavli Prize]] <small>(2022)</small> |
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}} |
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| notable_students = [[Joanna Aizenberg]], [[Tricia Carmichael]] |
| notable_students = [[Joanna Aizenberg]], [[Tricia Carmichael]], [[John A. Rogers]], [[Firat Güder]] |
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| influenced = [[Abraham Badu-Tawiah]] |
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}} |
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'''George McClelland Whitesides''' (born August 3, 1939) is an American [[chemist]] and [[professor]] of chemistry at [[Harvard University]]. He is best known for his work in the areas of [[ |
'''George McClelland Whitesides''' (born August 3, 1939) is an American [[chemist]] and [[professor]] of chemistry at [[Harvard University]]. He is best known for his work in the areas of [[nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy]], [[organometallic chemistry]], [[molecular self-assembly]], [[soft lithography]],<ref>{{Cite journal | last1 = Xia | first1 = Y. | last2 = Whitesides | first2 = G. M. | author-link2 = George M. Whitesides| doi = 10.1146/annurev.matsci.28.1.153 | title = Soft Lithography | journal = [[Annual Review of Materials Science]] | volume = 28 | pages = 153–184 | year = 1998 | issue = 5 | pmid = 29711088 |bibcode = 1998AnRMS..28..153X }}</ref> [[microfabrication]], [[microfluidics]], and [[nanotechnology]]. A prolific author and patent holder who has received many awards, he received the highest [[Hirsch index]] rating of all living chemists in 2011.<ref name="Hirsch">{{cite web|title=H-index ranking of living chemists|url=http://people.clarkson.edu/~ekatz/publications_most_cited_h-index_RSC.pdf|website=Chemistry World|date=December 12, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Scopus id|55711979600}}</ref><ref>{{Google Scholar id|coHQf4oAAAAJ}}</ref> |
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==Education and academic career== |
==Education and academic career== |
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===Research at MIT=== |
===Research at MIT=== |
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Whitesides began his independent career as an assistant professor at the [[Massachusetts Institute of Technology]] in 1963 and remained there until 1982.<ref name=Move2007/> He continued his work with NMR spectroscopy and organometallic compounds, as well as working with [[polymers]].<ref name=CHM2007/> Collaborations with biologists at MIT were an early influence informing his later work with biological systems.<ref name=Move2007/> He is credited as having played a "pivotal role" in the development of the [[ |
Whitesides began his independent career as an assistant professor at the [[Massachusetts Institute of Technology]] in 1963 and remained there until 1982.<ref name=Move2007/> He continued his work with NMR spectroscopy and organometallic compounds, as well as working with [[polymers]].<ref name=CHM2007/> Collaborations with biologists at MIT were an early influence informing his later work with biological systems.<ref name=Move2007/> He is credited as having played a "pivotal role" in the development of the [[Corey–House–Posner–Whitesides reaction]].<ref name=Folch2013/> |
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===Research at Harvard=== |
===Research at Harvard=== |
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In 1982, Whitesides moved back to the Department of Chemistry at [[Harvard University]], his alma mater, taking his laboratory with him.<ref name=Move2007/> He was the Mallinckrodt Professor of Chemistry from 1982 to 2004.<ref name=ResearchQuote/> At Harvard, Whitesides has served as chairman of the Chemistry Department (1986–89)<ref name="Ullyot">{{cite web|title=Ullyot Public Affairs Lecture|url=https://www.sciencehistory.org/ullyot-public-affairs-lecture|website=Science History Institute|access-date= |
In 1982, Whitesides moved back to the Department of Chemistry at [[Harvard University]], his alma mater, taking his laboratory with him.<ref name=Move2007/> He was the Mallinckrodt Professor of Chemistry from 1982 to 2004.<ref name=ResearchQuote/> At Harvard, Whitesides has served as chairman of the Chemistry Department (1986–89)<ref name="Ullyot">{{cite web|title=Ullyot Public Affairs Lecture|url=https://www.sciencehistory.org/ullyot-public-affairs-lecture|website=Science History Institute|access-date=February 1, 2018|date=May 31, 2016}}</ref> and Associate Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (1989–92).<ref name=Birthday/> |
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===Current research=== |
===Current research=== |
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{{external media | width = 210px | |
{{external media | width = 210px | float = right | headerimage= [[File:George Whitesides HD2010 podium.JPG|210px]] |
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| video1 =[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHuC5yZeHYQ Publishing Your Research 101 Impact of technology on scientific articles], George Whitesides, [[American Chemical Society]], April 29, 2011 | video2 = [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYE3XZUjxnw Zero cost diagnostics] George Whitesides, [[TED (conference)|TEDxBoston]], August 10, 2009 | video3 =[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whjLZogf9e0 Toward a science of simplicity], George Whitesides, [[TED (conference)|TED]], April 29, 2010 | video4 =[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZe_t1kLplc Talking Nano: Perspectives on Nanotechnology (1 of 4)], George Whitesides, [[Museum of Science, Boston]], October 26, 2007 | video5 =[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aPKQB3y5Zc The Courage to Go Off and Start New Things], George Whitesides, [[Science History Institute]], June 17, 2010 |
| video1 =[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHuC5yZeHYQ Publishing Your Research 101 Impact of technology on scientific articles], George Whitesides, [[American Chemical Society]], April 29, 2011 | video2 = [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYE3XZUjxnw Zero cost diagnostics] George Whitesides, [[TED (conference)|TEDxBoston]], August 10, 2009 | video3 =[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whjLZogf9e0 Toward a science of simplicity], George Whitesides, [[TED (conference)|TED]], April 29, 2010 | video4 =[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZe_t1kLplc Talking Nano: Perspectives on Nanotechnology (1 of 4)], George Whitesides, [[Museum of Science, Boston]], October 26, 2007 | video5 =[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aPKQB3y5Zc The Courage to Go Off and Start New Things], George Whitesides, [[Science History Institute]], June 17, 2010 }} |
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In 2004, Whitesides was appointed the Woodford L. and Ann A. Flowers [[Harvard University Professor|University Professor]] at Harvard,<ref name=Vittor2004>{{cite news|last1=Vittor|first1=Evan M.|title=New Title To Honor Tribe, Whitesides|url=http://www.thecrimson.com/article.aspx?ref=502753|access-date= |
In 2004, Whitesides was appointed the Woodford L. and Ann A. Flowers [[Harvard University Professor|University Professor]] at Harvard,<ref name=Vittor2004>{{cite news|last1=Vittor|first1=Evan M.|title=New Title To Honor Tribe, Whitesides|url=http://www.thecrimson.com/article.aspx?ref=502753|access-date=January 22, 2015|work=The Harvard Crimson|date=June 8, 2004|archive-date=February 16, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060216105054/http://www.thecrimson.com/article.aspx?ref=502753|url-status=dead}}</ref> one of only 24 University Professorships at the institution as of 2014.<ref name="office-of-news">{{cite web |
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| title = Harvard University Professors |
| title = Harvard University Professors |
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| publisher = Harvard University Office of News and Public Affairs |
| publisher = Harvard University Office of News and Public Affairs |
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| date = 2014 |
| date = 2014 |
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| url = http://www.harvard.edu/university-professorships |
| url = http://www.harvard.edu/university-professorships |
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| access-date = |
| access-date = January 21, 2015 }}</ref> The Whitesides Research Group at Harvard, an active research group of graduate and postdoctoral students with a lab space spanning more than 6,000 square feet (560 m2), is cofounded and directed by him.<ref name=Andover>{{cite news|last1=Morris|first1=Amy|title=Classmates awarded Academy's highest honor|url=http://www.andover.edu/about/newsroom/pages/classmates-awarded-academys-highest-honor.aspx|access-date=January 22, 2015|agency=Andover Phillips Academy|date=January 18, 2013}}</ref> The single primary objective of his lab is "to fundamentally change the paradigms of science."<ref name=BowenGino>{{cite journal|last1=Bowen|first1=H. Kent|last2=Gino|first2=Francesca|title=The Whitesides Lab|journal=Harvard Business School|date=March 17, 2006|volume=Harvard Business School Case Study #N9-606-064|page=3|url=http://hst590.pbworks.com/f/whitesides.pdf|access-date=January 21, 2015}}</ref> |
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Whitesides' interests include "physical and organic chemistry, materials science, biophysics, complexity and emergence, surface science, microfluidics, optics, self-assembly, micro- and nanotechnology, science for developing economies, molecular electronics, catalysis, energy production and conservation, origin of life, rational drug design, cell-surface biochemistry, simplicity, and infochemistry."<ref name=ResearchQuote>{{cite web|title=George M. Whitesides|url=http://gmwgroup.harvard.edu/content.php?page=gwhitesides|website=Whitesides Research Group|access-date= |
Whitesides' interests include "physical and organic chemistry, materials science, biophysics, complexity and emergence, surface science, microfluidics, optics, self-assembly, micro- and nanotechnology, science for developing economies, molecular electronics, catalysis, energy production and conservation, origin of life, rational drug design, cell-surface biochemistry, simplicity, and infochemistry."<ref name=ResearchQuote>{{cite web|title=George M. Whitesides|url=http://gmwgroup.harvard.edu/content.php?page=gwhitesides|website=Whitesides Research Group|access-date=January 21, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141005070343/http://gmwgroup.harvard.edu/content.php?page=gwhitesides|archive-date=October 5, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> He has shifted to new research areas many times throughout his career, averaging about ten years in any particular area. Once other people successfully move into an area, he tends to look for new and more interesting problems to solve.<ref name=Move2007/> "He has done that repeatedly by asking fundamental questions of what seemed to everyone to be virtually intractable problems," according to [[Jeremy R. Knowles]].<ref name=Move2007/> |
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Whitesides has made scientific contributions in diverse areas, including nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), microfluidics and nanotechnology. He is particularly well known for his work in materials and surface science. His work in surface chemistry has examined the 'self-assembly' processes of molecules arranging themselves on a surface. This work has become a basis for developments in nanoscience, electronics, pharmaceutical science and medical diagnostics.<ref name=Eureka>{{cite news|title=Harvard chemist wins national award for lifetime achievements in chemistry|url=http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-08/acs-hcw082906.php|access-date= |
Whitesides has made scientific contributions in diverse areas, including nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), microfluidics and nanotechnology. He is particularly well known for his work in materials and surface science. His work in surface chemistry has examined the 'self-assembly' processes of molecules arranging themselves on a surface. This work has become a basis for developments in nanoscience, electronics, pharmaceutical science and medical diagnostics.<ref name=Eureka>{{cite news|title=Harvard chemist wins national award for lifetime achievements in chemistry|url=http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-08/acs-hcw082906.php|access-date=January 22, 2015|work=EurekaAlert|agency=American Chemical Society|date=August 31, 2006}}</ref> Some of his research has been visually presented through the collaboration ''On the Surface of Things: Images of the Extraordinary in Science'' with MIT science photographer [[Felice Frankel]].<ref name=Surface>{{cite book|last1=Frankel|first1=Felice|last2=Whitesides|first2=George W.|title=On the surface of things: images of the extraordinary in science|url=https://archive.org/details/onsurfaceofthing0000fran|url-access=registration|date=1997|publisher=Chronicle Books|location=San Francisco|isbn=978-0-8118-1394-5}}</ref> One image, a pattern of blue and green water droplets created by Frankel, was featured on a 1992 cover of ''Science''.<ref name=Frankel>{{cite news|title=Picturing Science: Felice Frankel|url=http://artsatmit.org/cast/blog/picturing-science-felice-frankel/|access-date=January 22, 2015|work=Arts at MIT|agency=MIT Center for Art, Science, and Technology|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122202557/http://artsatmit.org/cast/blog/picturing-science-felice-frankel/|archive-date=January 22, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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Early work by [[Ralph G. Nuzzo]] and [[David L. Allara]] on spontaneously organized molecular assemblies informed Whitesides' work on [[soft lithography]].<ref name=Move2007/> Whitesides and his research group have made significant contributions by developing techniques for soft lithography and [[microcontact printing]]. Both microscale and nanoscale techniques are based on printing, molding and embossing, and can be used for the fabrication of patterns and features on many different materials. Soft lithography uses a patterned elastomer as a stamp, mold, or mask to create micropatterns and microstructures.<ref name=SoftLitho1998>{{cite journal|last1=Xia|first1=Younan|last2=Whitesides|first2=George M.|title=Soft Lithography|journal=Annual Review of Materials Science|date=August 1998|volume=28|issue=1|pages=153–184|doi=10.1146/annurev.matsci.28.1.153|pmid=29711088|url=https://gmwgroup.harvard.edu/pubs/pdf/604.pdf|bibcode |
Early work by [[Ralph G. Nuzzo]] and [[David L. Allara]] on spontaneously organized molecular assemblies informed Whitesides' work on [[soft lithography]].<ref name=Move2007/> Whitesides and his research group have made significant contributions by developing techniques for soft lithography and [[microcontact printing]]. Both microscale and nanoscale techniques are based on printing, molding and embossing, and can be used for the fabrication of patterns and features on many different materials. Soft lithography uses a patterned elastomer as a stamp, mold, or mask to create micropatterns and microstructures.<ref name=SoftLitho1998>{{cite journal|last1=Xia|first1=Younan|last2=Whitesides|first2=George M.|title=Soft Lithography|journal=Annual Review of Materials Science|date=August 1998|volume=28|issue=1|pages=153–184|doi=10.1146/annurev.matsci.28.1.153|pmid=29711088|url=https://gmwgroup.harvard.edu/pubs/pdf/604.pdf|bibcode=1998AnRMS..28..153X|access-date=2015-01-22|archive-date=2016-03-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304090336/https://gmwgroup.harvard.edu/pubs/pdf/604.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=NatureProtocols>{{cite journal|last1=Qin|first1=Dong|last2=Xia|first2=Younan|last3=Whitesides|first3=George M|title=Soft lithography for micro- and nanoscale patterning|journal=Nature Protocols|date=February 18, 2010|volume=5|issue=3|pages=491–502|doi=10.1038/nprot.2009.234|pmid=20203666|doi-access=free}}</ref> Such techniques have now become standard in the field.<ref name=Move2007/> |
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More recent research interests include energy,<ref name=Bullis>{{cite news|last1=Bullis|first1=Kevin|title=George Whitesides The nanotech pioneer turns to energy.|url=http://www.technologyreview.com/qa/408167/george-whitesides/|access-date= |
More recent research interests include energy,<ref name=Bullis>{{cite news|last1=Bullis|first1=Kevin|title=George Whitesides The nanotech pioneer turns to energy.|url=http://www.technologyreview.com/qa/408167/george-whitesides/|access-date=January 22, 2015|work=MIT Technology Review|date=July 1, 2007}}</ref> the origin of life,<ref name=Conor>{{cite news|last1=Myhrvold|first1=Conor|title=Three Questions for George Whitesides|url=http://www.technologyreview.com/news/428793/three-questions-for-george-whitesides/|access-date=January 22, 2015|work=MIT Technology Review|date=September 3, 2010}}</ref> soft robotics,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Soft Robotics at the Whitesides Research Group |url=https://gmwgroup.harvard.edu/soft-robotics}}</ref> and science for developing economics.<ref name=WorldIn2012Economist>{{cite news|last1=Whitesides|first1=George M.|title=The frugal way The promise of cost-conscious science|url=http://www.economist.com/node/21537051|access-date=January 22, 2015|newspaper=The Economist|date=November 17, 2011 }}</ref> |
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Whitesides is also known for publishing his "outline system" for writing scientific papers.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Whitesides |first1=G.M. |author-link=George M. Whitesides |title=Whitesides' Group: Writing a Paper |doi=10.1002/adma.200400767 |url=http://yjsy.nenu.edu.cn/downloads/jiao%27an/Writing%20a%20Paper.pdf |journal=Advanced Materials |volume=16 |issue=15 |pages=1375–1377 |year=2004 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110813121051/http://yjsy.nenu.edu.cn/downloads/jiao%27an/Writing%20a%20Paper.pdf |archive-date= |
Whitesides is also known for publishing his "outline system" for writing scientific papers.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Whitesides |first1=G.M. |author-link=George M. Whitesides |title=Whitesides' Group: Writing a Paper |doi=10.1002/adma.200400767 |url=http://yjsy.nenu.edu.cn/downloads/jiao%27an/Writing%20a%20Paper.pdf |journal=Advanced Materials |volume=16 |issue=15 |pages=1375–1377 |year=2004 |bibcode=2004AdM....16.1375W |s2cid=137183896 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110813121051/http://yjsy.nenu.edu.cn/downloads/jiao%27an/Writing%20a%20Paper.pdf |archive-date=August 13, 2011 }}</ref> |
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==Policy and public service== |
==Policy and public service== |
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Beyond his scientific research, Whitesides is also active in public service. He was part of the Committee on Science, Engineering, and Public Policy, which authored the National Academies' report ''Rising Above the Gathering Storm'' (2007). The report addressed U.S. competitiveness in science and technology.<ref name=Rising2006/> Two key challenges were identified as being essential to American scientific and engineering prowess: 1) creating high-quality jobs for Americans and 2) addressing the nation's need for clean, affordable, and reliable energy. The committee developed four areas of recommendations, with twenty specific proposals for implementable actions. Addressing human, financial, and informational issues, the report argued in favor of:<ref name=Summary>{{cite book|title=Rising Above the Gathering Storm, Executive Summary|date=2006|url=https://www.nsf.gov/attachments/105652/public/NAS-Gathering-Storm-11463.pdf|access-date= |
Beyond his scientific research, Whitesides is also active in public service. He was part of the Committee on Science, Engineering, and Public Policy, which authored the National Academies' report ''Rising Above the Gathering Storm'' (2007). The report addressed U.S. competitiveness in science and technology.<ref name=Rising2006/> Two key challenges were identified as being essential to American scientific and engineering prowess: 1) creating high-quality jobs for Americans and 2) addressing the nation's need for clean, affordable, and reliable energy. The committee developed four areas of recommendations, with twenty specific proposals for implementable actions. Addressing human, financial, and informational issues, the report argued in favor of:<ref name=Summary>{{cite book|title=Rising Above the Gathering Storm, Executive Summary|date=2006|url=https://www.nsf.gov/attachments/105652/public/NAS-Gathering-Storm-11463.pdf|access-date=January 21, 2015}}</ref> |
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* improving K–12 science and mathematics education, to ensure that there is a pool of talented individuals who can work in the sciences |
* improving K–12 science and mathematics education, to ensure that there is a pool of talented individuals who can work in the sciences |
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* supporting long-term basic research, to ensure the ongoing development of new ideas that will support the economy and enhance quality of life |
* supporting long-term basic research, to ensure the ongoing development of new ideas that will support the economy and enhance quality of life |
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In 2002, Whitesides served as the Chairman of the International Review Panel that evaluated the state of chemical research in the [[United Kingdom]]. Their findings were summarized what is now known as the ''Whitesides Report''.<ref>[http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20091109164814/http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/AboutEPSRC/IntRevs/2002ChemIR.htm Chemistry at the Centre: an International Assessment of University Research in Chemistry in the UK]</ref> They identified chemical biology and materials science as important areas for new development in the United Kingdom, and argued that chemistry is an important discipline in part because its concepts, processes and materials underlie other disciplines and offer opportunities to enhance communication between disciplines.<ref name=RSC2008>{{cite web|title=Face to Face UK Chemistry-Biology Interface|url=http://www.rsc.org/images/f2freport_tcm18-126544.pdf|website=RSC Advancing the Chemical Sciences|date=2008}}</ref> |
In 2002, Whitesides served as the Chairman of the International Review Panel that evaluated the state of chemical research in the [[United Kingdom]]. Their findings were summarized what is now known as the ''Whitesides Report''.<ref>[http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20091109164814/http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/AboutEPSRC/IntRevs/2002ChemIR.htm Chemistry at the Centre: an International Assessment of University Research in Chemistry in the UK]</ref> They identified chemical biology and materials science as important areas for new development in the United Kingdom, and argued that chemistry is an important discipline in part because its concepts, processes and materials underlie other disciplines and offer opportunities to enhance communication between disciplines.<ref name=RSC2008>{{cite web|title=Face to Face UK Chemistry-Biology Interface|url=http://www.rsc.org/images/f2freport_tcm18-126544.pdf|website=RSC Advancing the Chemical Sciences|date=2008}}</ref> |
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Whitesides has served on advisory committees for the [[National Science Foundation]], [[NASA]], and the [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]]. He has also served on the [[United States National Research Council|National Research Council]] in various capacities since 1984, including stints on the Committee on Science and Technology for Counter Terrorism and the Committee on Nanotechnology for the Intelligence Community.<ref name=Source>{{cite web|last1=Klamm|first1=Lauren|title=Harvard professor to speak about bioanalysis research|url=http://source.colostate.edu/harvard-professor-speak-bioanalysis-research/|website=Source|publisher=Colorado State University|date= |
Whitesides has served on advisory committees for the [[National Science Foundation]], [[NASA]], and the [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]]. He has also served on the [[United States National Research Council|National Research Council]] in various capacities since 1984, including stints on the Committee on Science and Technology for Counter Terrorism and the Committee on Nanotechnology for the Intelligence Community.<ref name=Source>{{cite web|last1=Klamm|first1=Lauren|title=Harvard professor to speak about bioanalysis research|url=http://source.colostate.edu/harvard-professor-speak-bioanalysis-research/|website=Source|publisher=Colorado State University|date=November 19, 2014}}</ref> He is also a member of the Reliance Innovation Council formed by [[Reliance Industries Limited]], India.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.ril.com/OurCompany/Innovation.aspx | title=Reliance Innovation Council India – Raghunath Mashelkar | Mukesh Ambani | Jean-Marie Lehn | Robert Grubbs | George Whitesides | Gary Hamel | William Haseltine | access-date=July 1, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151201111731/http://www.ril.com/OurCompany/Innovation.aspx | archive-date=December 1, 2015 | url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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In an article in ''Nature'' (2011), Whitesides and [[John M. Deutch]] challenged the scientific and chemical communities to become more relevant to current social and environmental issues. They criticized academic chemistry for an "increasingly incurious and risk-averse attitude" and for focusing on "familiar questions of familiar disciplines" rather than taking a broad interdisciplinary view and exploring new areas. They recommended that institutions focus on practical problems, and teach entrepreneurial skills along with basic science so as to stimulate the development of practical technologies, encouraging students to take ownership of their own research.<ref name=Nature2011/> A similar approach is taken by the Whitesides Research Group, of which [[John A. Rogers]] has said, "Chemistry was the core expertise that provided the competitive advantage, but there was no sense of chemistry as a narrowly defined discipline. It was chemistry to solve problems, not necessarily to do chemistry."<ref name=Move2007/> The article sparked strong reactions both for and against their ideas.<ref name=Chemmy2011>{{cite web|last1=Bracher|first1=Paul|title=Whitesides & Deutch on What's Wrong with Chemical Academia|url=http://blog.chembark.com/2011/01/06/whitesides-deutch-on-whats-wrong-with-chemical-academia/|website=ChemBark: News, Analysis, and Commentary for the World of Chemistry & Chemical Research|access-date=January 6, 2011|date=2011 |
In an article in ''Nature'' (2011), Whitesides and [[John M. Deutch]] challenged the scientific and chemical communities to become more relevant to current social and environmental issues. They criticized academic chemistry for an "increasingly incurious and risk-averse attitude" and for focusing on "familiar questions of familiar disciplines" rather than taking a broad interdisciplinary view and exploring new areas. They recommended that institutions focus on practical problems, and teach entrepreneurial skills along with basic science so as to stimulate the development of practical technologies, encouraging students to take ownership of their own research.<ref name=Nature2011/> A similar approach is taken by the Whitesides Research Group, of which [[John A. Rogers]] has said, "Chemistry was the core expertise that provided the competitive advantage, but there was no sense of chemistry as a narrowly defined discipline. It was chemistry to solve problems, not necessarily to do chemistry."<ref name=Move2007/> The article sparked strong reactions both for and against their ideas.<ref name=Chemmy2011>{{cite web|last1=Bracher|first1=Paul|title=Whitesides & Deutch on What's Wrong with Chemical Academia|url=http://blog.chembark.com/2011/01/06/whitesides-deutch-on-whats-wrong-with-chemical-academia/|website=ChemBark: News, Analysis, and Commentary for the World of Chemistry & Chemical Research|access-date=January 6, 2011|date=January 6, 2011}}</ref> Many in the scientific community asserted that research agendas should be "disinterested" and that education must focus on fundamental research to advance.<ref name="Roberts">{{cite journal|last1=Roberts|first1=Jody|title=Social Science|journal=Chemical Heritage Magazine|date=2012|volume=30|issue=1|page=45|url=https://www.sciencehistory.org/distillations/magazine/social-science|access-date=February 1, 2018}}</ref> Whitesides and Deutch argued that teaching science in ways that address current issues can still lead to foundational work and scientific breakthroughs.<ref name=Nature2011>{{cite journal|last1=Whitesides|first1=George M.|last2=Deutch|first2=John|title=Let's get practical|journal=Nature|date=January 6, 2011|volume=469|issue=7328|pages=21–22|doi=10.1038/469021a|pmid=21209639|url=http://web.mit.edu/chemistry/deutch/technical/pdf15/152Nature469p21%282011%29.pdf|access-date=January 22, 2015|bibcode = 2011Natur.469...21W |s2cid=205061212}}</ref> |
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==Awards and achievements== |
==Awards and achievements== |
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Whitesides is the author of more than 1200 scientific articles<ref name=Birthday>{{cite web|title=75th Birthday: George Whitesides|url=http://www.chemistryviews.org/details/ezine/6468341/75th_Birthday_George_Whitesides.html|website=Chemistry Views|access-date= |
Whitesides is the author of more than 1200 scientific articles<ref name=Birthday>{{cite web|title=75th Birthday: George Whitesides|url=http://www.chemistryviews.org/details/ezine/6468341/75th_Birthday_George_Whitesides.html|website=Chemistry Views|date=3 August 2014 |access-date=January 21, 2015}}</ref> and is listed as an inventor on at least 134 patents.<ref name=HarvardPatents>{{cite web|title=George M. Whitesides|url=https://www.collectiveip.com/technology-transfer/harvard-university/patents?fin=George+M.+Whitesides|website=Harvard University – Patents|access-date=January 21, 2015}}</ref> He ranked 5th on [[Thomson ISI]]'s list of the 1000 most cited chemists from 1981 to 1997,<ref name=ISI1997>{{cite web|title=ISI's 1000 Most Cited Chemists, 1981 – June 1997, ranked by total citations|url=http://www.ccp14.ac.uk/ccp/web-mirrors/armel/www.cristal.org/1000chimistes.html|access-date=January 21, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150302054444/http://www.ccp14.ac.uk/ccp/web-mirrors/armel/www.cristal.org/1000chimistes.html|archive-date=March 2, 2015}}</ref> and 38th on the list from 2000 to 2010.<ref name="Thomson2010">{{cite news|title=Top 100 Chemists, 2000–2010 Special Report on High-Impact Chemists|url=http://archive.sciencewatch.com/dr/sci/misc/Top100Chemists2000-10/|work=Science Watch|date=October 31, 2010}}</ref> According to the [[Hirsch index]], a ranking which combines number of articles published and citations of those articles by others, he was the most influential living chemist in 2011.<ref name="Hirsch"/> |
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⚫ | Whitesides has co-founded over 12 companies with a combined market capitalization of over $20 billion. These companies include [[Genzyme]], GelTex, Theravance, Surface Logix, Nano Terra, and WMR Biomedical.<ref name=Impact2011>{{cite book|last1=Roberts|first1=Edward B.|last2=Eesley|first2=Charles E.|title=Entrepreneurial impact : the role of MIT—an updated report|date=2011|publisher=Now|location=Boston, Mass.|isbn=978-1-60198-478-4|page=58|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YKlE_qqq4RsC&pg=PA58|access-date=January 21, 2015}}</ref><ref name="Bloomberg">{{citation |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/people/person.asp?personId=545929&ticker=THRX |date=n.d. |access-date=July 19, 2015 | work=Bloomberg |title=George M. Whitesides Ph.D.: Executive Profile & Biography}}</ref> Whitesides has mentored more than 300 graduate students, postdocs, and visiting scholars.<ref name=Folch2013>{{cite book|last1=Folch|first1=Albert|title=Introduction to bioMEMS|date=2013|publisher=CRC Press|location=Boca Raton|isbn=978-1439818398|page=19|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-Ne9lX91D8MC&pg=PA19|access-date=January 21, 2015}}</ref> He serves on the editorial advisory boards of several scientific journals, including ''[[ACS Nano]]'', ''[[Angewandte Chemie]]'', ''Chemistry & Biology'', and ''Small''.<ref name=Birthday/> |
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⚫ | Whitesides is a member of the [[American Academy of Arts and Sciences]], the [[United States National Academy of Sciences|National Academy of Sciences]], and the [[National Academy of Engineering]]. He is also a fellow of the [[American Association for the Advancement of Science]] and the [[American Philosophical Society]].<ref name=Rising2006>{{cite book|last1=Committee on Prospering in the Global Economy of the 21st Century: An Agenda for American Science and Technology, National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, Institute of Medicine |title=Rising above the gathering storm : energizing and employing America for a brighter economic future|date=2006|publisher=National Academies Press|location=Washington, DC|isbn=978-0-309-65442-5|url=https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/618/2015/11/Rising-Above-the-Gathering-Storm.pdf|access-date=January 21, 2015}}</ref> In 2002 he became foreign member of the [[Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.knaw.nl/en/members/foreign-members/5321 |title=G.M. Whitesides |publisher=Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences |access-date=July 20, 2015}}</ref> He also became a foreign member of the [[Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dnva.no/medlemmer/53|title= Utenlandske medlemmer - Den matematisk-naturvitenskapelige klasse|publisher=Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters|access-date=19 December 2023}}</ref> |
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⚫ | Whitesides has co-founded over 12 companies with a combined market capitalization of over $20 billion. These companies include [[Genzyme]], GelTex, Theravance, Surface Logix, Nano Terra, and WMR Biomedical.<ref name=Impact2011>{{cite book|last1=Roberts|first1=Edward B.|last2=Eesley|first2=Charles E.|title=Entrepreneurial impact : the role of |
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⚫ | Among other awards, Whitesides is the recipient of the [[American Chemical Society]]'s [[ACS Award in Pure Chemistry]] (1975),<ref name=ACSAward>{{cite web|title=ACS Award in Pure Chemistry|url=http://webapps.acs.org/findawards/detail.jsp?ContentId=CTP_004546|website=ACS: Chemistry for Life|access-date=January 21, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150313011429/http://webapps.acs.org/findawards/detail.jsp?ContentId=CTP_004546|archive-date=March 13, 2015}}</ref> the [[Arthur C. Cope Award]] (1995),<ref name=CopeAward>{{cite web|title=Arthur C. Cope Award|url=http://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/funding-and-awards/awards/national/bytopic/arthur-c-cope-award.html|website=ACS: Chemistry for Life|access-date=January 21, 2015}}</ref> [[National Medal of Science]] (1998),<ref name=NatSci1998>{{cite web|title=George Whitesides (1939 – )|url=https://www.nsf.gov/news/special_reports/medalofscience50/whitesides.jsp|website=National Science Foundation, Where Discoveries Begin|access-date=January 21, 2015}}</ref><ref name=NatSciDetails>{{cite web|title=The President's National Medal of Science: Recipient Details George Whitesides |url=https://www.nsf.gov/od/nms/recip_details.jsp?recip_id=389|website=National Science Foundation, Where Discoveries Begin|access-date=January 21, 2015}}</ref> the [[Kyoto Prize]] in Materials Science and Engineering (2003),<ref name=KyotoPrize2003>{{cite news|last1=Braun|first1=David|title=2003 Kyoto Prize Laureates Named|url=http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/06/0620_030620_kyotoprizes2003.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030623023001/http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/06/0620_030620_kyotoprizes2003.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 23, 2003|access-date=January 21, 2015|work=National Geographic News|date=June 20, 2003}}</ref> the [[Gabbay Award]] (2004),<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.brandeis.edu/rosenstiel/gabbayaward/past.html | title=Past Winners | Gabbay Award | Rosenstiel Basic Medical Sciences Research Center | Brandeis University}}</ref> the [[Dan David Prize]] (2005),<ref name=DanDavidPrize>{{cite web|title=Laureates / 2005 / Future – Materials Science / George Whitesides|url=http://www.dandavidprize.org/laureates/2005/76-future-materials-science/171-prof-george-whitesides|website=Dan David Prize|access-date=January 21, 2015}}</ref> the Welch Award in Chemistry (2005),<ref name=Henry>{{cite journal|last1=Henry|first1=Celia |title=Harvard Chemistry Professor Honored For Long, Diverse Career |journal=Chemical & Engineering News|date= June 13, 2005 |volume=83|issue=24|page=9|url=http://pubs.acs.org/cen/news/83/i24/8324notw9.html|access-date=January 21, 2015 |doi=10.1021/cen-v083n024.p009a}}</ref> the [[American Institute of Chemists Gold Medal|AIC Gold Medal]] (2007),<ref name=CHFAIC>{{cite web |title=American Institute of Chemists Gold Medal |url=https://www.sciencehistory.org/american-institute-of-chemists-gold-medal |website=Science History Institute |year=2016}}</ref> and the [[Priestley Medal]] (2007), the highest honor conferred by the ACS.<ref name=Move2007/><ref name=Arnaud>{{cite journal|last1=Arnaud|first1=Celia Henry|title=Whitesides named Priestley Medalist|journal=Chemical & Engineering News|date=June 12, 2006|volume=84|issue=24|page=7|url=http://cen.acs.org/articles/84/i24/Whitesides-Named-Priestley-Medalist.html|access-date=January 21, 2015|doi=10.1021/cen-v084n024.p007}}</ref> |
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⚫ | Whitesides is a member of the [[American Academy of Arts and Sciences]], the [[United States National Academy of Sciences|National Academy of Sciences]], and the [[National Academy of Engineering]]. He is also a fellow of the [[American Association for the Advancement of Science]] and the [[American Philosophical Society]].<ref name=Rising2006>{{cite book|last1=Committee on Prospering in the Global Economy of the 21st Century: An Agenda for American Science and Technology, National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, Institute of Medicine |title=Rising above the gathering storm : energizing and employing America for a brighter economic future|date=2006|publisher=National Academies Press|location=Washington, DC|isbn=978-0-309-65442-5|url= |
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⚫ | More recently, George Whitesides received the 2009 [[Dreyfus Prize in the Chemical Sciences]] from [[The Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation]] on September 30, 2009, for his creation of new materials that have significantly advanced the field of chemistry and its societal benefits.<ref>{{cite news|title=Harvard chemist accepts Dreyfus Prize for Chemical Sciences|date=October 3, 2009 |work=Cambridge Chronicle}}</ref><ref name=ChipChair2009>{{cite web|title=Lab on a Chip Board Chair wins two major awards|url=http://www.rsc.org/Publishing/Journals/lc/News/Whitesides_double.asp|website=Royal Society of Chemistry|access-date=May 15, 2009}}</ref> In November 2009, he was recipient of the [[Reed M. Izatt]] and James J. Christensen Lectureship.<ref name=BYU2009>{{cite web|last1=Pierce |first1=Steve |title=Renowned Chemist to Address Third Annual Izatt-Christensen Lecture at BYU |url=http://cpms.byu.edu/news/renowned-chemist-to-address-third-annual-izattchristensen-lecture-at-byu |website=Brigham Young University |publisher=College of Physical & Mathematical Sciences |date=2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122002023/http://cpms.byu.edu/news/renowned-chemist-to-address-third-annual-izattchristensen-lecture-at-byu |archive-date=January 22, 2015 }}</ref> Also in 2009, George Whitesides was awarded the [[The Franklin Institute Awards|2009 Benjamin Franklin Medal]] in Chemistry by The [[Franklin Institute]] in Philadelphia, for his pioneering chemical research in molecular self-assembly and innovative nanofabrication techniques that have resulted in rapid, inexpensive fabrication of ultra small devices.<ref name=ChipChair2009/> |
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⚫ | Among other awards, Whitesides is the recipient of the [[American Chemical Society]]'s [[ACS Award in Pure Chemistry]] (1975),<ref name=ACSAward>{{cite web|title=ACS Award in Pure Chemistry|url=http://webapps.acs.org/findawards/detail.jsp?ContentId=CTP_004546|website=ACS: Chemistry for Life|access-date= |
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⚫ | He received the [[Othmer Gold Medal]] for outstanding contributions to progress in chemistry and science in 2010.<ref name=CHFAll>{{cite web|title= Othmer Gold Medal |url=https://www.sciencehistory.org/othmer-gold-medal|publisher=[[Science History Institute]]|access-date=December 1, 2016|date=May 31, 2016}}</ref><ref name=2010PRNewswire>{{cite news|last1=Gussman|first1=Neil|title=Chemical Heritage Foundation to Present Othmer Gold Medal to George M. Whitesides|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chemical-heritage-foundation-to-present-othmer-gold-medal-to-george-m-whitesides-82604012.html|access-date=June 12, 2014|work=PR Newswire|date=January 25, 2010}}</ref> He was awarded the [[F. Albert Cotton#F.A. Cotton Medal for Excellence in Chemical Research|F. A. Cotton Medal for Excellence in Chemical Research]] of the [[American Chemical Society]] in 2011.<ref name=Cotton2011>{{cite web |title=The F. A. Cotton Medal for Excellence Chemical Research |url=https://www.chem.tamu.edu/department/cotton-medal.php |website=Chemistry: Texas A&M University |access-date=January 21, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150221091111/http://www.chem.tamu.edu/department/cotton-medal.php |archive-date=February 21, 2015 }}</ref> In 2011 he also received the [[King Faisal International Prize]] in Chemistry.<ref name=Faisal2011>{{cite web|title=Professor George M. Whitesides Winner of the 2011 KFIP Prize for Science|url=http://kfip.org/professor-george-m-whitesides/|website=King Faisal International Prize|access-date=January 21, 2015}}</ref><ref name=KACST>{{cite web|title="Science & Technology" Hosts Winners of King Faisal International Prize for Chemistry|url=http://www.kacst.edu.sa/en/about/media/news/Pages/news2220404-3783.aspx|access-date=January 21, 2015|agency=King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST)|date=2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122011128/http://www.kacst.edu.sa/en/about/media/news/Pages/news2220404-3783.aspx|archive-date=January 22, 2015}}</ref> In 2013 he was awarded the [[IRI Medal]] alongside [[Robert S. Langer]].<ref name=Wang>{{cite news|last=Wang|first=Linda|title=Industrial Research Institute Medal Awarded To Robert S. Langer And George M. Whitesides|url=http://www.iri75.org/2013/05/industrial-research-institute-medal-awarded-to-robert-s-langer-and-george-m-whitesides/|access-date=February 5, 2014|newspaper=Chemical & Engineering News|date=May 28, 2013|archive-date=February 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221130740/http://www.iri75.org/2013/05/industrial-research-institute-medal-awarded-to-robert-s-langer-and-george-m-whitesides/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=IRI>{{cite news|title=IRI to recognize George Whitesides, Robert Langer with top award|url=http://www.rdmag.com/news/2013/04/iri-recognize-george-whitesides-robert-langer-top-award|access-date=February 5, 2014|newspaper=R&D Magazine|date=April 17, 2013}}</ref> In 2013 he gave the inaugural [[Patrusky Lecture]]. In 2017, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement award by [http://www.xconomy.com Xconomy].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.xconomy.com/boston/2017/09/26/the-winners-of-the-2017-xconomy-awards-are/|title=The Winners of the 2017 Xconomy Awards Are… {{!}} Xconomy|date=September 26, 2017|work=Xconomy|access-date=September 28, 2017|language=en-US}}</ref> In 2022 he received the [[Kavli Prize]] in Nanosciences.<ref>[https://www.kavliprize.org/prizes/nanoscience/2022 Kavli Prize 2022]</ref> |
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⚫ | More recently, George Whitesides received the 2009 [[Dreyfus Prize in the Chemical Sciences]] from [[The Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation]] on September 30, 2009, for his creation of new materials that have significantly advanced the field of chemistry and its societal benefits.<ref>{{cite news|title=Harvard chemist accepts Dreyfus Prize for Chemical Sciences|date=October 3, 2009 |
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In 2015, he received an honorary doctorate from the [[University of Bath]]. |
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⚫ | He received the [[Othmer Gold Medal]] for outstanding contributions to progress in chemistry and science in 2010.<ref name=CHFAll>{{cite web|title= Othmer Gold Medal |url=https://www.sciencehistory.org/othmer-gold-medal|publisher=[[Science History Institute]]|access-date= |
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==Personal life== |
==Personal life== |
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Whitesides and his wife, Barbara, have two sons, George T. and Ben. [[George T. Whitesides|George Thomas Whitesides]] |
Whitesides and his wife, Barbara, have two sons, George T. and Ben. [[George T. Whitesides|George Thomas Whitesides]] was CEO of [[Virgin Galactic]], a firm developing commercial space vehicles. Ben Whitesides is lead singer and songwriter of [[The Joggers]], a rock band based in [[Portland, Oregon]].<ref name=Move2007>{{cite journal|last1=Arnaud|first1=Celia Henry|title=Always On The Move|journal=Chemical & Engineering News|date=March 26, 2007|volume=85|issue=13|pages=18–25|url=https://pubs.acs.org/cen/coverstory/85/8513cover2.html|access-date=January 21, 2015}}</ref> |
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==References== |
==References== |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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{{Library resources box|by=yes|viaf=59178840}}<!-- Whitesides, G. M. --> |
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*[http://gmwgroup.harvard.edu/ Whitesides Group Homepage] |
*[http://gmwgroup.harvard.edu/ Whitesides Group Homepage] |
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[[Category:Massachusetts Institute of Technology faculty]] |
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[[Category:Scientists from Louisville, Kentucky]] |
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[[Category:Foreign Fellows of the Indian National Science Academy]] |
[[Category:Foreign Fellows of the Indian National Science Academy]] |
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[[Category:Kyoto laureates in Advanced Technology]] |
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[[Category:Fellows of the American Physical Society]] |
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[[Category:Kavli Prize laureates in Nanoscience]] |
Latest revision as of 14:54, 23 July 2024
George McClelland Whitesides (born August 3, 1939) is an American chemist and professor of chemistry at Harvard University. He is best known for his work in the areas of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, organometallic chemistry, molecular self-assembly, soft lithography,[3] microfabrication, microfluidics, and nanotechnology. A prolific author and patent holder who has received many awards, he received the highest Hirsch index rating of all living chemists in 2011.[4][5][6]
Education and academic career
[edit]Bildung
[edit]Whitesides attended secondary school at Phillips Andover and graduated in 1957.[7] He received his A.B. degree from Harvard College in 1960 and earned a Ph.D. in chemistry from the California Institute of Technology in 1964, where he worked with John D. Roberts.[1] At Caltech, Whitesides began working in organic chemistry. Whitesides' graduate work in organometallic chemistry used NMR spectroscopy and density matrices to study Grignard reagents.[8] He used NMR spectroscopy to study rate of change of Grignard reagents[9] and the structure of Grignard reagents in solution. He also studied spin-spin coupling in a variety of organic compounds, using density matrix calculations to examine the spin systems that NMR analyses detect.[8]
Research at MIT
[edit]Whitesides began his independent career as an assistant professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1963 and remained there until 1982.[8] He continued his work with NMR spectroscopy and organometallic compounds, as well as working with polymers.[9] Collaborations with biologists at MIT were an early influence informing his later work with biological systems.[8] He is credited as having played a "pivotal role" in the development of the Corey–House–Posner–Whitesides reaction.[10]
Research at Harvard
[edit]In 1982, Whitesides moved back to the Department of Chemistry at Harvard University, his alma mater, taking his laboratory with him.[8] He was the Mallinckrodt Professor of Chemistry from 1982 to 2004.[11] At Harvard, Whitesides has served as chairman of the Chemistry Department (1986–89)[12] and Associate Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (1989–92).[13]
Current research
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In 2004, Whitesides was appointed the Woodford L. and Ann A. Flowers University Professor at Harvard,[14] one of only 24 University Professorships at the institution as of 2014.[15] The Whitesides Research Group at Harvard, an active research group of graduate and postdoctoral students with a lab space spanning more than 6,000 square feet (560 m2), is cofounded and directed by him.[7] The single primary objective of his lab is "to fundamentally change the paradigms of science."[16]
Whitesides' interests include "physical and organic chemistry, materials science, biophysics, complexity and emergence, surface science, microfluidics, optics, self-assembly, micro- and nanotechnology, science for developing economies, molecular electronics, catalysis, energy production and conservation, origin of life, rational drug design, cell-surface biochemistry, simplicity, and infochemistry."[11] He has shifted to new research areas many times throughout his career, averaging about ten years in any particular area. Once other people successfully move into an area, he tends to look for new and more interesting problems to solve.[8] "He has done that repeatedly by asking fundamental questions of what seemed to everyone to be virtually intractable problems," according to Jeremy R. Knowles.[8]
Whitesides has made scientific contributions in diverse areas, including nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), microfluidics and nanotechnology. He is particularly well known for his work in materials and surface science. His work in surface chemistry has examined the 'self-assembly' processes of molecules arranging themselves on a surface. This work has become a basis for developments in nanoscience, electronics, pharmaceutical science and medical diagnostics.[17] Some of his research has been visually presented through the collaboration On the Surface of Things: Images of the Extraordinary in Science with MIT science photographer Felice Frankel.[18] One image, a pattern of blue and green water droplets created by Frankel, was featured on a 1992 cover of Science.[19]
Early work by Ralph G. Nuzzo and David L. Allara on spontaneously organized molecular assemblies informed Whitesides' work on soft lithography.[8] Whitesides and his research group have made significant contributions by developing techniques for soft lithography and microcontact printing. Both microscale and nanoscale techniques are based on printing, molding and embossing, and can be used for the fabrication of patterns and features on many different materials. Soft lithography uses a patterned elastomer as a stamp, mold, or mask to create micropatterns and microstructures.[20][21] Such techniques have now become standard in the field.[8]
More recent research interests include energy,[22] the origin of life,[23] soft robotics,[24] and science for developing economics.[25]
Whitesides is also known for publishing his "outline system" for writing scientific papers.[26]
Policy and public service
[edit]Beyond his scientific research, Whitesides is also active in public service. He was part of the Committee on Science, Engineering, and Public Policy, which authored the National Academies' report Rising Above the Gathering Storm (2007). The report addressed U.S. competitiveness in science and technology.[27] Two key challenges were identified as being essential to American scientific and engineering prowess: 1) creating high-quality jobs for Americans and 2) addressing the nation's need for clean, affordable, and reliable energy. The committee developed four areas of recommendations, with twenty specific proposals for implementable actions. Addressing human, financial, and informational issues, the report argued in favor of:[28]
- improving K–12 science and mathematics education, to ensure that there is a pool of talented individuals who can work in the sciences
- supporting long-term basic research, to ensure the ongoing development of new ideas that will support the economy and enhance quality of life
- creating a positive environment for higher education in which America can develop, recruit, and retain students, scientists, and engineers from the United States and the rest of the world
- encouraging innovation through economic policies that will support manufacturing and marketing
In 2002, Whitesides served as the Chairman of the International Review Panel that evaluated the state of chemical research in the United Kingdom. Their findings were summarized what is now known as the Whitesides Report.[29] They identified chemical biology and materials science as important areas for new development in the United Kingdom, and argued that chemistry is an important discipline in part because its concepts, processes and materials underlie other disciplines and offer opportunities to enhance communication between disciplines.[30]
Whitesides has served on advisory committees for the National Science Foundation, NASA, and the Department of Defense. He has also served on the National Research Council in various capacities since 1984, including stints on the Committee on Science and Technology for Counter Terrorism and the Committee on Nanotechnology for the Intelligence Community.[31] He is also a member of the Reliance Innovation Council formed by Reliance Industries Limited, India.[32]
In an article in Nature (2011), Whitesides and John M. Deutch challenged the scientific and chemical communities to become more relevant to current social and environmental issues. They criticized academic chemistry for an "increasingly incurious and risk-averse attitude" and for focusing on "familiar questions of familiar disciplines" rather than taking a broad interdisciplinary view and exploring new areas. They recommended that institutions focus on practical problems, and teach entrepreneurial skills along with basic science so as to stimulate the development of practical technologies, encouraging students to take ownership of their own research.[33] A similar approach is taken by the Whitesides Research Group, of which John A. Rogers has said, "Chemistry was the core expertise that provided the competitive advantage, but there was no sense of chemistry as a narrowly defined discipline. It was chemistry to solve problems, not necessarily to do chemistry."[8] The article sparked strong reactions both for and against their ideas.[34] Many in the scientific community asserted that research agendas should be "disinterested" and that education must focus on fundamental research to advance.[35] Whitesides and Deutch argued that teaching science in ways that address current issues can still lead to foundational work and scientific breakthroughs.[33]
Awards and achievements
[edit]Whitesides is the author of more than 1200 scientific articles[13] and is listed as an inventor on at least 134 patents.[36] He ranked 5th on Thomson ISI's list of the 1000 most cited chemists from 1981 to 1997,[37] and 38th on the list from 2000 to 2010.[38] According to the Hirsch index, a ranking which combines number of articles published and citations of those articles by others, he was the most influential living chemist in 2011.[4]
Whitesides has co-founded over 12 companies with a combined market capitalization of over $20 billion. These companies include Genzyme, GelTex, Theravance, Surface Logix, Nano Terra, and WMR Biomedical.[39][40] Whitesides has mentored more than 300 graduate students, postdocs, and visiting scholars.[10] He serves on the editorial advisory boards of several scientific journals, including ACS Nano, Angewandte Chemie, Chemistry & Biology, and Small.[13]
Whitesides is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the National Academy of Sciences, and the National Academy of Engineering. He is also a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Philosophical Society.[27] In 2002 he became foreign member of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences.[41] He also became a foreign member of the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters.[42]
Among other awards, Whitesides is the recipient of the American Chemical Society's ACS Award in Pure Chemistry (1975),[43] the Arthur C. Cope Award (1995),[44] National Medal of Science (1998),[45][46] the Kyoto Prize in Materials Science and Engineering (2003),[47] the Gabbay Award (2004),[48] the Dan David Prize (2005),[49] the Welch Award in Chemistry (2005),[50] the AIC Gold Medal (2007),[51] and the Priestley Medal (2007), the highest honor conferred by the ACS.[8][52]
More recently, George Whitesides received the 2009 Dreyfus Prize in the Chemical Sciences from The Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation on September 30, 2009, for his creation of new materials that have significantly advanced the field of chemistry and its societal benefits.[53][54] In November 2009, he was recipient of the Reed M. Izatt and James J. Christensen Lectureship.[55] Also in 2009, George Whitesides was awarded the 2009 Benjamin Franklin Medal in Chemistry by The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, for his pioneering chemical research in molecular self-assembly and innovative nanofabrication techniques that have resulted in rapid, inexpensive fabrication of ultra small devices.[54]
He received the Othmer Gold Medal for outstanding contributions to progress in chemistry and science in 2010.[56][57] He was awarded the F. A. Cotton Medal for Excellence in Chemical Research of the American Chemical Society in 2011.[58] In 2011 he also received the King Faisal International Prize in Chemistry.[59][60] In 2013 he was awarded the IRI Medal alongside Robert S. Langer.[61][62] In 2013 he gave the inaugural Patrusky Lecture. In 2017, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement award by Xconomy.[63] In 2022 he received the Kavli Prize in Nanosciences.[64]
In 2015, he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Bath.
Personal life
[edit]Whitesides and his wife, Barbara, have two sons, George T. and Ben. George Thomas Whitesides was CEO of Virgin Galactic, a firm developing commercial space vehicles. Ben Whitesides is lead singer and songwriter of The Joggers, a rock band based in Portland, Oregon.[8]
References
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- ^ Xia, Y.; Whitesides, G. M. (1998). "Soft Lithography". Annual Review of Materials Science. 28 (5): 153–184. Bibcode:1998AnRMS..28..153X. doi:10.1146/annurev.matsci.28.1.153. PMID 29711088.
- ^ a b "H-index ranking of living chemists" (PDF). Chemistry World. December 12, 2011.
- ^ George M. Whitesides publications indexed by the Scopus bibliographic database. (subscription required)
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- ^ a b c "75th Birthday: George Whitesides". Chemistry Views. 3 August 2014. Retrieved January 21, 2015.
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- ^ "Harvard University Professors". Harvard University Office of News and Public Affairs. 2014. Retrieved January 21, 2015.
- ^ Bowen, H. Kent; Gino, Francesca (March 17, 2006). "The Whitesides Lab" (PDF). Harvard Business School. Harvard Business School Case Study #N9-606-064: 3. Retrieved January 21, 2015.
- ^ "Harvard chemist wins national award for lifetime achievements in chemistry". EurekaAlert. American Chemical Society. August 31, 2006. Retrieved January 22, 2015.
- ^ Frankel, Felice; Whitesides, George W. (1997). On the surface of things: images of the extraordinary in science. San Francisco: Chronicle Books. ISBN 978-0-8118-1394-5.
- ^ "Picturing Science: Felice Frankel". Arts at MIT. MIT Center for Art, Science, and Technology. Archived from the original on January 22, 2015. Retrieved January 22, 2015.
- ^ Xia, Younan; Whitesides, George M. (August 1998). "Soft Lithography" (PDF). Annual Review of Materials Science. 28 (1): 153–184. Bibcode:1998AnRMS..28..153X. doi:10.1146/annurev.matsci.28.1.153. PMID 29711088. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2015-01-22.
- ^ Qin, Dong; Xia, Younan; Whitesides, George M (February 18, 2010). "Soft lithography for micro- and nanoscale patterning". Nature Protocols. 5 (3): 491–502. doi:10.1038/nprot.2009.234. PMID 20203666.
- ^ Bullis, Kevin (July 1, 2007). "George Whitesides The nanotech pioneer turns to energy". MIT Technology Review. Retrieved January 22, 2015.
- ^ Myhrvold, Conor (September 3, 2010). "Three Questions for George Whitesides". MIT Technology Review. Retrieved January 22, 2015.
- ^ "Soft Robotics at the Whitesides Research Group".
- ^ Whitesides, George M. (November 17, 2011). "The frugal way The promise of cost-conscious science". The Economist. Retrieved January 22, 2015.
- ^ Whitesides, G.M. (2004). "Whitesides' Group: Writing a Paper" (PDF). Advanced Materials. 16 (15): 1375–1377. Bibcode:2004AdM....16.1375W. doi:10.1002/adma.200400767. S2CID 137183896. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 13, 2011.
- ^ a b Committee on Prospering in the Global Economy of the 21st Century: An Agenda for American Science and Technology, National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, Institute of Medicine (2006). Rising above the gathering storm : energizing and employing America for a brighter economic future (PDF). Washington, DC: National Academies Press. ISBN 978-0-309-65442-5. Retrieved January 21, 2015.
{{cite book}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ Rising Above the Gathering Storm, Executive Summary (PDF). 2006. Retrieved January 21, 2015.
- ^ Chemistry at the Centre: an International Assessment of University Research in Chemistry in the UK
- ^ "Face to Face UK Chemistry-Biology Interface" (PDF). RSC Advancing the Chemical Sciences. 2008.
- ^ Klamm, Lauren (November 19, 2014). "Harvard professor to speak about bioanalysis research". Source. Colorado State University.
- ^ "Reliance Innovation Council India – Raghunath Mashelkar | Mukesh Ambani | Jean-Marie Lehn | Robert Grubbs | George Whitesides | Gary Hamel | William Haseltine". Archived from the original on December 1, 2015. Retrieved July 1, 2015.
- ^ a b Whitesides, George M.; Deutch, John (January 6, 2011). "Let's get practical" (PDF). Nature. 469 (7328): 21–22. Bibcode:2011Natur.469...21W. doi:10.1038/469021a. PMID 21209639. S2CID 205061212. Retrieved January 22, 2015.
- ^ Bracher, Paul (January 6, 2011). "Whitesides & Deutch on What's Wrong with Chemical Academia". ChemBark: News, Analysis, and Commentary for the World of Chemistry & Chemical Research. Retrieved January 6, 2011.
- ^ Roberts, Jody (2012). "Social Science". Chemical Heritage Magazine. 30 (1): 45. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
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- ^ "ISI's 1000 Most Cited Chemists, 1981 – June 1997, ranked by total citations". Archived from the original on March 2, 2015. Retrieved January 21, 2015.
- ^ "Top 100 Chemists, 2000–2010 Special Report on High-Impact Chemists". Science Watch. October 31, 2010.
- ^ Roberts, Edward B.; Eesley, Charles E. (2011). Entrepreneurial impact : the role of MIT—an updated report. Boston, Mass.: Now. p. 58. ISBN 978-1-60198-478-4. Retrieved January 21, 2015.
- ^ "George M. Whitesides Ph.D.: Executive Profile & Biography", Bloomberg, n.d., retrieved July 19, 2015
- ^ "G.M. Whitesides". Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences. Retrieved July 20, 2015.
- ^ "Utenlandske medlemmer - Den matematisk-naturvitenskapelige klasse". Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters. Retrieved 19 December 2023.
- ^ "ACS Award in Pure Chemistry". ACS: Chemistry for Life. Archived from the original on March 13, 2015. Retrieved January 21, 2015.
- ^ "Arthur C. Cope Award". ACS: Chemistry for Life. Retrieved January 21, 2015.
- ^ "George Whitesides (1939 – )". National Science Foundation, Where Discoveries Begin. Retrieved January 21, 2015.
- ^ "The President's National Medal of Science: Recipient Details George Whitesides". National Science Foundation, Where Discoveries Begin. Retrieved January 21, 2015.
- ^ Braun, David (June 20, 2003). "2003 Kyoto Prize Laureates Named". National Geographic News. Archived from the original on June 23, 2003. Retrieved January 21, 2015.
- ^ "Past Winners | Gabbay Award | Rosenstiel Basic Medical Sciences Research Center | Brandeis University".
- ^ "Laureates / 2005 / Future – Materials Science / George Whitesides". Dan David Prize. Retrieved January 21, 2015.
- ^ Henry, Celia (June 13, 2005). "Harvard Chemistry Professor Honored For Long, Diverse Career". Chemical & Engineering News. 83 (24): 9. doi:10.1021/cen-v083n024.p009a. Retrieved January 21, 2015.
- ^ "American Institute of Chemists Gold Medal". Science History Institute. 2016.
- ^ Arnaud, Celia Henry (June 12, 2006). "Whitesides named Priestley Medalist". Chemical & Engineering News. 84 (24): 7. doi:10.1021/cen-v084n024.p007. Retrieved January 21, 2015.
- ^ "Harvard chemist accepts Dreyfus Prize for Chemical Sciences". Cambridge Chronicle. October 3, 2009.
- ^ a b "Lab on a Chip Board Chair wins two major awards". Royal Society of Chemistry. Retrieved May 15, 2009.
- ^ Pierce, Steve (2009). "Renowned Chemist to Address Third Annual Izatt-Christensen Lecture at BYU". Brigham Young University. College of Physical & Mathematical Sciences. Archived from the original on January 22, 2015.
- ^ "Othmer Gold Medal". Science History Institute. May 31, 2016. Retrieved December 1, 2016.
- ^ Gussman, Neil (January 25, 2010). "Chemical Heritage Foundation to Present Othmer Gold Medal to George M. Whitesides". PR Newswire. Retrieved June 12, 2014.
- ^ "The F. A. Cotton Medal for Excellence Chemical Research". Chemistry: Texas A&M University. Archived from the original on February 21, 2015. Retrieved January 21, 2015.
- ^ "Professor George M. Whitesides Winner of the 2011 KFIP Prize for Science". King Faisal International Prize. Retrieved January 21, 2015.
- ^ ""Science & Technology" Hosts Winners of King Faisal International Prize for Chemistry". King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST). 2012. Archived from the original on January 22, 2015. Retrieved January 21, 2015.
- ^ Wang, Linda (May 28, 2013). "Industrial Research Institute Medal Awarded To Robert S. Langer And George M. Whitesides". Chemical & Engineering News. Archived from the original on February 21, 2014. Retrieved February 5, 2014.
- ^ "IRI to recognize George Whitesides, Robert Langer with top award". R&D Magazine. April 17, 2013. Retrieved February 5, 2014.
- ^ "The Winners of the 2017 Xconomy Awards Are… | Xconomy". Xconomy. September 26, 2017. Retrieved September 28, 2017.
- ^ Kavli Prize 2022
External links
[edit]- 1939 births
- 21st-century American chemists
- California Institute of Technology alumni
- Harvard College alumni
- Harvard University faculty
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology faculty
- Scientists from Louisville, Kentucky
- National Medal of Science laureates
- Living people
- Members of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences
- Members of the United States National Academy of Sciences
- Members of the United States National Academy of Engineering
- Fellows of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
- Foreign Fellows of the Indian National Science Academy
- Kyoto laureates in Advanced Technology
- Fellows of the American Physical Society
- Benjamin Franklin Medal (Franklin Institute) laureates
- Members of the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters
- Kavli Prize laureates in Nanoscience