Donald G. Truhlar is a preeminent figure in theoretical chemistry whose distinguished career has transformed computational approaches to chemical problems. He currently holds the prestigious position of Regents Professor of Chemistry, Chemical Physics, and Scientific Computation at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, which represents the university's highest academic honor. Born in Chicago on February 27, 1944, to parents of Czech ancestry, Truhlar earned his Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from St. Mary's College of Minnesota in 1965 before completing his Ph.D. at the California Institute of Technology in 1970 under Aron Kuppermann. Joining the University of Minnesota faculty in 1969, he has remained there for over five decades, establishing himself as one of the institution's most distinguished scholars while receiving additional recognition as an Institute of Technology Distinguished Professor in 1998.
Truhlar's groundbreaking contributions span multiple domains of theoretical and computational chemistry, with particular impact in density functional theory where he developed the widely used Minnesota Functionals that accurately describe diverse chemical phenomena. His innovative work extends to solvation models, basis sets, quantum chemical methods, variational transition state theory, and molecular dynamics simulations that have become standard tools in computational chemistry laboratories worldwide. With over 1100 journal articles and 68 book chapters to his name, Truhlar's research has fundamentally advanced our understanding of chemical dynamics, photochemistry, and catalysis across heterogeneous, homogeneous, and enzymatic systems. His theoretical frameworks have enabled more accurate calculations of chemical structure, reaction rates, and electronically nonadiabatic processes, significantly impacting fields ranging from combustion chemistry to atmospheric science and drug design.
As a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the International Academy of Quantum Molecular Science, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Truhlar has shaped the trajectory of theoretical chemistry through both his research and leadership roles. His laboratory continues to pioneer new methodologies, including multi-configuration pair-density functional theory developed with Laura Gagliardi's group, which provides improved treatment of strongly correlated systems, and advanced tools for simulating electronically excited states relevant to photocatalysis and spectroscopy. Recognized with numerous honors including the ACS Award in Theoretical Chemistry, the NAS Award for Scientific Reviewing, and the ACS Peter Debye Award, Truhlar remains actively engaged in mentoring the next generation of computational chemists while advancing methodologies for studying metal-organic frameworks, combustion processes, and atmospheric reactions critical to understanding climate change. His ongoing research continues to bridge fundamental quantum mechanics with practical applications in energy, environment, and materials science, ensuring his enduring influence on the chemical sciences.
