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“The world is made of atoms and molecules, put together in amazing, complex ways”

Catherine Murphy, Professor at the Department of Chemistry at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, USA, is the first plenary speaker to hold a presentation during the 3rd National Meeting of the Swedish Chemical Society, SCS2025, in June 16-18 2025.

Catherine Murphy.
Photo: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, USA.

What is the focus of your research?

– My lab focuses on the synthesis, characterization, biological applications and environmental implications of colloidal inorganic nanomaterials, especially gold nanorods.

How did you decide to work in chemistry?

– I like to think about the natural world at the molecular level. In school, physics seemed boring and biology was too messy but chemistry was just right! And I had great chemistry teachers in 8th grade (age 13 in the US) and 10th grade (age 15 in the US). I did undergraduate research in a chemistry lab for three years upon going to university, which also cemented my desire to be in research.

How would you describe the importance of chemistry to a young person who has not yet decided what they want to study/work with yet?

– The world around us is made of atoms and molecules, put together in amazing, complex ways.  New medicines, new battery materials, improved fertilizers and pesticides, vegan textiles, perfumes and cosmetics, all rely on chemistry.  Quantum computing will rely on somebody, most likely a chemist, making the actual qbits!

In school, physics seemed boring and biology was too messy but chemistry was just right!

What are you looking forward to when it comes to your trip to Sweden?

– I have never been to Sweden and am excited to go. When I think of Sweden, I think of progressive policies, the Northern Lights, Nobel Prizes, cafes with yummy food and drinks, and pop music (e.g. ABBA). My younger sister and husband plan to come with me; my younger sister wants to go to the original IKEA.

Who should listen to your talk?

– I will be giving a more general talk about the achievements and opportunities in nanomaterials, with some physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, biochemistry and ecology – something for everyone, I hope.

Come and listen to Catherine Murphy’s talk at SCS2025, which will take place at the Steam Hotel in Västerås, just one hour by train from Stockholm, from June 16 to 18. Representatives from all fields of chemistry are invited, and the program includes inspiring presentations, interactive poster sessions, and ample networking opportunities.

Read more at https://scs2025.se/

Read more about Catherine’s research here: Catherine J. Murphy | Department of Chemistry | Illinois