Dr. Sason Shaik stands as a distinguished theoretical chemist whose pioneering contributions have reshaped our understanding of chemical bonding and reactivity. He currently holds the position of Emeritus Professor of Chemistry at the Institute of Chemistry, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where he has served since 1992 as Director of the Lise Meitner-Minerva Center for Computational Quantum Chemistry. After earning his PhD from the University of Washington in 1979, he completed postdoctoral research with Nobel laureate Roald Hoffmann at Cornell University before joining Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, where he became a full Professor in 1988. His career transition to Hebrew University marked the beginning of a transformative period in theoretical chemistry, establishing Israel as a significant hub for innovative research in quantum chemistry and molecular bonding theories.
Professor Shaik's groundbreaking research has fundamentally advanced valence bond theory, developing a comprehensive model that explains chemical reactivity across diverse molecular systems. His introduction of the concept of charge-shift bonds revolutionized the understanding of chemical bonding, providing a third category beyond traditional covalent and ionic bonds that has found applications across organic, inorganic, and biological chemistry. His development of the two-state-reactivity paradigm for metal-oxo species and chameleon enzymes has provided critical insights into enzymatic mechanisms, particularly for cytochrome P450 systems, solving long-standing puzzles in bioinorganic chemistry. His work on electric field effects in chemical reactions has opened new frontiers in reaction control, demonstrating how external fields can dramatically alter reaction pathways and rates, with significant implications for catalysis and materials science.
Beyond his theoretical contributions, Professor Shaik has profoundly influenced the chemistry community through his mentorship of numerous students and postdoctoral researchers who have gone on to establish distinguished careers in academia and industry. His leadership in the field has been recognized with prestigious awards including the August Wilhelm von Hofmann Gold Medal from the German Chemical Society and the Israel Chemical Society Gold Medal in 2017. As a member of the International Academy of Quantum Molecular Science and editorial board member for major chemistry journals, he continues to shape the direction of theoretical chemistry research globally. Professor Shaik remains actively engaged in advancing valence bond theory, exploring its applications to increasingly complex systems including enzyme mechanisms and materials science, ensuring that his theoretical frameworks continue to drive innovation across multiple chemical disciplines.
