Dr. Nathan S. Lewis stands as a preeminent figure in the field of chemistry with his groundbreaking contributions to energy science and materials research. As the George L. Argyros Professor of Chemistry at the California Institute of Technology, he has maintained a distinguished academic career since joining Caltech's faculty in 1988 and achieving full professorship in 1991. His foundational education includes B.S. and M.S. degrees in Chemistry from Caltech in 1977 followed by a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1981. Prior to his tenure at Caltech, Dr. Lewis established his scholarly reputation during his time at Stanford University, where he served as assistant professor from 1981 to 1985 and as a tenured associate professor from 1986 to 1988. Since 1992, he has led the Beckman Institute Molecular Materials Resource Center as its Principal Investigator, shaping research directions in molecular materials for over three decades.
Dr. Lewis has pioneered transformative research in artificial photosynthesis and solar energy conversion, establishing himself as a global leader in the development of sustainable energy technologies with over 600 publications to his name. His innovative work on electronic noses and semiconductor/electrolyte interfaces has significantly advanced the scientific understanding of light-induced electron transfer reactions and photoelectrochemical processes. As the founding Editor-in-Chief of Energy & Environmental Science from 2008 to 2018, he shaped the discourse in sustainable energy research and provided a critical platform for emerging scientific breakthroughs. Dr. Lewis's research has not only generated fundamental scientific insights but has also cultivated a preeminent cohort of globally leading researchers, having mentored approximately sixty graduate students and postdoctoral associates who now drive innovation across the energy sector. His scientific contributions have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards including the ACS Award in Pure Chemistry and the Michael Faraday Medal of the Royal Society of Electrochemistry.
Beyond his laboratory achievements, Dr. Lewis has emerged as an influential voice in energy policy and scientific communication, regularly advising industry, government, and academic institutions on the critical role of research and development in clean energy innovation. His recognition as the highest ranked scientist/technologist at #17 in Rolling Stone magazine's top 100 "Agents of Change in America" underscores his ability to bridge complex scientific concepts with broader societal impact. Currently, Dr. Lewis continues to direct cutting-edge research at the intersection of chemistry, materials science, and energy technology, focusing on developing practical solutions for solar fuel production and carbon-neutral energy systems. His visionary leadership extends to his role as Director of the Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis, where he coordinates multidisciplinary research efforts to address the global energy challenge. Dr. Lewis remains committed to translating fundamental scientific discoveries into tangible technologies that can accelerate the transition to sustainable energy systems worldwide.
