Professor Richard Kaner, the UCLA Dr. Myung Ki Hong Endowed Chair in Materials Innovation, has been named the 2025 ACS Basolo Medalist by the Department of Chemistry faculty at Northwestern University, in recognition of his groundbreaking and influential contributions to inorganic chemistry.
A distinguished professor of chemistry and materials science and engineering, Kaner’s trailblazing research spans conductive polymers (such as polyaniline), superhard materials, and advanced carbon compounds, including fullerenes and graphene. His work has not only advanced fundamental science but also led to impactful innovations in materials science and engineering.
The Fred Basolo Medal, established to celebrate Fred Basolo’s pioneering contributions to inorganic chemistry at Northwestern University, is awarded annually by the Chemistry faculty of Northwestern University in collaboration with the American Chemical Society (ACS) Chicago Section.
Kaner’s remarkable contributions to the field pioneering work in synthetic inorganic chemistry will be celebrated at the Fall 2025 Basolo Lecture and Award Dinner.

Penny Jennings, UCLA Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, penny@chem.ucla.edu.