Group of students

Photo Credit: Ben Lin

Community Outreach

Our outreach programs provide high school and K–5 students and teachers with opportunities to learn and interact with young scientists who are passionate about chemistry.

two students in a lab

Ben Binhong Lin, Stanford University

Study Tips for Chemistry

Just as you need to take time to practice for sports or learn a foreign language, you need to take time to practice chemistry. 

Todd Martinez Teaching Students

Research

The Department of Chemistry covers research in 7 areas: Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Theoretical Chemistry, Chemistry-Biology Interface, Materials Chemistry and

Stanford Sapp Center

Applying to the Ph.D. Program

Doctoral study in chemistry at Stanford University prepares students for research and teaching careers with diverse emphases in basic, life, medical, physical, energy, materials, and environmental

Home Page Hero Image: Two Wender Lab Students

Center for Molecular Analysis and Design

The Center for Molecular Analysis and Design is directed at advancing the frontiers of chemistry and chemistry-driven research across all scientific disciplines.

Carolyn Bertozi is wearing a red Stanford University logo t-shirt

Image credit: Kurt Hickman and Harry Gregory

Carolyn Bertozzi wins Nobel Prize in chemistry

Stanford chemist Carolyn Bertozzi was awarded the Nobel Prize in chemistry for her development of bioorthogonal reactions, which allow scientists to explore cells and track biological processes without disrupting the normal chemistry of the cell.

Fostering a Culture of Respect

The Department of Chemistry is committed to fostering a respectful workplace culture. We strive to cultivate a safe, inclusive and fair environment where our staff, faculty, researchers and students can thrive as they advance new chemical frontiers through research, innovation, collaboration and scholarship.

Learn more about how we promote a culture of respect

Message from the Chair

Steven Boxer

Steven G. Boxer
Camille Dreyfus Professor of Chemistry
Chair, Department of Chemistry

 

Welcome to the Chemistry Department! 

The students and faculty in our Department explore a broad range of atomic and molecular systems, create new forms of matter, and develop experimental and theoretical tools to understand and control the behavior of electrons, atoms, molecules and materials – to the benefit of science and society.  Some of our research groups focus on core aspects of physical and synthetic chemistry, while others explore open questions at the interface with materials science, energy science, catalysis, neuroscience, chemical biology, and biophysics.  We are dedicated to developing the next generation of scholars in the chemical sciences and building an inclusive learning environment. 

Our Department is located in close proximity to other Departments in the natural sciences - biology, physics, applied physics, statistics and mathematics - the Schools of Engineering and Medicine, as well many interdisciplinary centers and state-of-the-art shared facilities, making Stanford a rich environment for our students and faculty.  SLAC, housing the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lab, the ultra-fast x-ray laser and many other resources, are close by.  Our outstanding facilities and beautiful location south of San Francisco provide an exceptional environment for teaching and research.

More about us