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.

Submit Your Graduate Application

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

View Published Articles
Oct 13 2026

Assistant Professor Fang Xu, Ph.D., Department of Chemistry, University of Texas

Tuesday, 4:00 pm–5:00 pm
SES 138
Oct 20 2026

Professor Chi Zhang, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Department of Physical Chemistry, Purdue University

Tuesday, 4:00 pm–5:00 pm
SES 138
Oct 27 2026

Professor and Chair, Jiwoong Park, James Franck Professor, UChicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, Department of Chemistry, and the College, University of Chicago

Tuesday, 4:00 pm–5:00 pm
SES 138
Oct 29 2026

Dr. Renato Zenobi, Professor of Analytical Chemistry, ETH Zurich

Thursday, 4:00 pm–5:00 pm
SES 138
Nov 3 2026

Joe Patterson, Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine

Tuesday, 4:00 pm–5:00 pm
SES 138