Located in the heart of Chicago, the UIC Department of Chemistry is a dynamic hub for scientific innovation and academic excellence. With one of the largest research programs in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the department offers students at all levels access to cutting-edge facilities and collaborative opportunities with institutions like Argonne National Laboratory. Faculty and researchers lead groundbreaking work across core disciplines—Analytical, Bio, Inorganic, Organic, and Physical Chemistry—as well as emerging fields such as chemical biology, nanotechnology, and neurochemistry.

From sustainable energy materials and advanced imaging technologies to novel drug delivery systems and computational models, UIC Chemistry is shaping the future of science. Whether you’re just beginning your studies or pursuing advanced research, the department provides a transformative experience in one of the nation’s most vibrant urban research environments.

A student examines peptides through a microscope in a chemistry lab
From imaging iron-sulfur clusters to decoding antiviral peptide fibrils, our scientists are pushing boundaries across materials science.

Apply today to the University of Illinois Chicago PhD program and take the next step toward advancing your research and academic career. Our graduate programs are designed to challenge, inspire, and prepare you for leadership in your field.

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Published in Science, Nature Chemistry, JACS, and more—our faculty are shaping the future of molecular science.

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Apr 21 2026

Professor Richard L. Brutchey, University of Southern California, Department of Chemistry

Tuesday, 4:00 pm–5:00 pm
SES 238
Apr 28 2026

Dr. Christopher Anderton, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Tuesday, 4:00 pm–5:00 pm
SES 238
Aug 27 2026

Professor Ruixuan Gao, University of Illinois, Department of Biological Sciences / Chemistry

Thursday, 4:00 pm–5:00 pm
SES 238
Sep 1 2026

Professor Dongchang Chen, The University of New Mexico, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology

Tuesday, 4:00 pm–5:00 pm
SES 238
Sep 3 2026

Professor Andy Nguyen, University of Illinois, Department of Chemistry

Thursday, 4:00 pm–5:00 pm
SES 238