Caltech's Brown Investigator Awards Recognize Research Innovation
Caltech has announced the new class of Brown Investigators, emphasizing the importance of curiosity-driven research in the fields of chemistry and physics. Each of the eight distinguished recipients will receive funding of up to $2 million spread over the next five years to pursue their innovative research projects.
Supporting Mid-Career Faculty
These awards are designed to empower mid-career researchers, who are at a critical juncture in their careers. The Brown Institute for Basic Sciences, established in 2023, aims to foster groundbreaking scientific discoveries that promise to benefit society. Ross M. Brown, the benefactor of the institute, articulates his vision that the funding will enable researchers to explore bold and unconventional ideas that go beyond their regular work.
Meet the 2025 Brown Investigators
This year's cohort comprises eight prominent figures in scientific research:
Dmitry Abanin
A Professor of Physics from Princeton University, Abanin will focus on creating new theoretical and computational frameworks to understand the intriguing characteristics of quantum materials and synthetic quantum systems, particularly under non-thermal equilibrium conditions.
László Kürti
A Professor of Chemistry at Rice University, Kürti's research targets the invention of stable neutral polynitrogen cages. These unique molecules, made entirely of nitrogen, could revolutionize energy storage by releasing energy cleanly on command— without combustion.
Mark Levin
Levin, an Associate Professor of Chemistry at the University of Chicago, aims to advance synthetic chemistry by applying new methods from the editing of aromatic compounds to include more reactive aliphatic compounds— leading to access to compounds previously considered off-limits.
Brad Ramshaw
A Cornell University Associate Professor of Physics, Ramshaw is set to develop an innovative technique utilizing ultrasound to study the electronic states of atomically thin materials, which could yield new insights into their properties.
Cindy Regal
As a Professor of Physics at the University of Colorado Boulder, Regal will be working to entangle particles of larger mass than ever before. This study will delve into the realms of quantum physics, potentially unveiling new aspects of mass and distance.
Xavier Roy
From Columbia University, Professor Roy's research will explore materials where electrons face different pathways for motion, potentially leading to advanced quantum technologies that could reshape the field.
Hailiang Wang
Professor Wang, hailing from Yale University, strives to expand the boundaries of electrocatalysis. His focus on transforming inorganic waste like CO2 into functional organic compounds could significantly impact environmental sustainability.
Joel Yuen-Zhou
Yuen-Zhou, an Associate Professor from UC San Diego, will delve into the chemistry of chemical reactions influenced by electron spin. His goal is to develop methods for producing specific enantiomers, which could have broad applications in pharmaceuticals.
A Legacy of Scientific Exploration
The Brown Investigator Awards were initiated to enhance support for scientific discovery that improves human conditions. Over the past few years, a total of 21 researchers have been recognized with these awards, indicating the program's commitment to nurturing innovation within the scientific community.
Caltech is proud to cooperate with the scientific advisory board of the Brown Institute for Basic Sciences in identifying and supporting talented individuals who are pushing the boundaries of fundamental chemistry and physics. The institute's director emphasizes the value these meetings hold in fostering collaboration and sharing groundbreaking ideas.
An Ongoing Commitment to Research
To create this exceptional cohort, a select number of research universities across the nation invited nominations for faculty members who have attained tenure in the last decade and are leading innovative research. Each nomination underwent rigorous evaluation by an independent scientific review board, highlighting the integrity and competitiveness of the selection process.
The funding from the Brown Investigator Awards allows Caltech to draw on additional resources for fundamental scientific inquiries in chemistry and physics, reaffirming its position as a leader in scientific discovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Brown Investigator Awards?
The Brown Investigator Awards recognize mid-career faculty for innovative research in chemistry and physics, offering up to $2 million to support their projects.
Who established the Brown Institute for Basic Sciences?
The Brown Institute for Basic Sciences was established with a significant gift from entrepreneur Ross M. Brown to advance fundamental scientific discoveries.
How are award recipients selected?
Recipients are chosen through a nomination process across various research universities, evaluated by an independent scientific review board.
Where will the funding be applied?
The funding will be used to pursue novel research initiatives, allowing recipients to explore groundbreaking ideas safely and flexibly.
How many investigators have been recognized in total?
Since the program's inception, 21 investigators have been recognized over four years, highlighting the significance of the awards in fostering scientific innovation.
