The MIT Department of Chemistry continues to lead global research and education, as highlighted by recent achievements and discoveries. QS World University Rankings has named MIT the world’s No. 1 university for 2026-27, marking the 15th consecutive year at the top, with the Institute also ranking first in 12 subject areas.
Professor Susan Solomon has been named the 2026 Tang Prize laureate for her groundbreaking work on atmospheric chemistry, which laid the foundation for the recovery of the ozone layer and demonstrated the lasting impacts of carbon emissions on Earth’s climate.
MIT researchers are developing innovative alternatives to conventional carbon capture methods, presenting a promising new approach to efficient and flexible carbon capture and removal. In materials science, MIT chemists have designed impact-resistant plastics by introducing weaker bonds into polystyrene and rubber, helping these materials dissipate energy and resist destructive forces.
In fundamental chemistry, MIT chemists have discovered and isolated a new boron-oxygen molecule called dioxaborirane, which could expand the chemistry of boron-based reagents and provide new tools for oxidation reactions in synthesis and materials science.
Several MIT affiliates have been recognized with prestigious honors. Six MIT faculty and 10 alumni were elected to the National Academy of Sciences for 2026. Three students—Deeksha Kumaresh, Anna Liu, and Charlotte Myers—were named 2026 Goldwater Scholars. Six MIT affiliates received 2026 Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans, and four MIT faculty and 13 alumni were elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Two alumnae, Mitali Chowdhury ’24 and Christina Kim ’24, were named 2026 Gates Cambridge Scholars.
The NSF has renewed support for the MIT-led AI and physics institute (IAIFI), expanding a new model for discovery as it enters its second phase with increased funding and broader ambitions. The Haystack 37m Telescope has returned to its science and educational mission at MIT Haystack Observatory, ushering in a new era of astrophysical research.
In cancer research, a new single-molecule tracker allows researchers to tag and follow the activity of individual proteins in real-time, illuminating the workings of cancer-related proteins. Additionally, MIT School of Engineering faculty received awards in winter 2026 for their scholarship, service, and overall excellence.