Michael R. Wasielewski

Known for his foundational contributions to the field of artificial photosynthesis in pursuit of renewable solar energy, Wasielewski's highly multi-disciplinary work encompasses photochemical processes in chemistry, biology, and materials science. Over the past 35 years, his research has been noted for its combination of molecular synthesis and time-resolved spectroscopy that has provided decisive insights into the fundamental relationship between molecular structure and electron transfer dynamics in systems designed for solar energy capture, storage and utilization. In 2013, Wasielewski was given the Royal Society of Chemistry Environment Prize.