On Mar. 14, 2007, the Priestley Medal was awarded to George M. Whitesides by the American Chemical Society “to recognize distinguished services to chemistry,” the American Chemical Society’s most prestigious award. Whitesides’ contributions include groundbreaking research is such diverse areas as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), materials and surface science, microfluidics and nanotechnology.

Whitesides, a professor of chemistry at Harvard University, has had a long and varied career in chemistry, making contributions to areas as diverse as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, organic synthesis, materials and surface science, microfluidics, and nanotechnology.

His other research interests include biophysics, science for developing economies, the origin of life and cell-surface biochemistry. A proflific and innovative researcher, Whitesides is the author of more than 900 researcher papers and holds over 50 patents. A passionate educator, he has mentored and taught a large pool of talented chemists who now hold influential positions in academia and industry.

Whitesides is the recipient of numerous awards, including the prestigious National Medal of Science (1998). His memberships include the American Academy of Arts, National Academy of Sciences and the American Chemical Society (for 46 years). He is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Institute of Physics.

Recently, Whitesides served as a member of the committee that created the National Academies’ report, “Rising Above the Gathering Storm,” which calls for revitalization of U.S. competitiveness in science, engineering and technology. He also has been an advisor to the Department of Defense and served on numerous editorial boards of major research journals.