​Prof. Jean-Luc Bredas, KAUST Distinguished Professor and the Director of SPERC, received the 2016 ACS Award in the Chemistry of Materials at the 251st ACS National Meeting in San Diego, US on March 15, 2016.

"The ACS Award in the Chemistry of Materials means a lot to me, as it represents a recognition from my peers around the world. It is humbling to become associated with the leading figures in the field of materials chemistry who received the award in prior years. As the main theme of the ACS meeting in San Diego is ‘Computers in Chemistry,’ it seems fitting that I appear to be the first computational chemist to receive the award.”

– Prof. Jean-Luc Bredas

This notable award sponsored by E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Co. and was established in 1988 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the commercialization of nylon and the discovery of Teflon. This award recognizes outstanding contributions and encourages creative work in the chemistry of materials. Particular emphasis will be placed on research relating to materials of actual or potential technological importance, where a fundamental understanding of the chemistry associated with materials preparation, processing, or use is critical. Because much of the impact of research depends upon the extension of the work of others, some consideration should be given to the nominee's success as a mentor and colleague.