Yuan T. Lee

Yuan T. Lee official portrait

Yuan Tseh Lee HD2008 Othmer Gold Medal portrait

APEC2004 Chamanto

Yuan T. Lee (Chinese: 李遠哲; born November 19, 1936) is a Taiwanese-American chemist renowned for his pivotal contributions to the development of chemical dynamics and mass spectrometry. His groundbreaking work, particularly in the use of crossed molecular beams to study chemical reactions at the molecular level, earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1986, which he shared with Dudley Herschbach and John C. Polanyi. Lee's research has significantly advanced the understanding of how chemical reactions occur and how molecules interact, influencing various fields including physical chemistry, chemical physics, and atmospheric chemistry.

Early Life and Education

Yuan T. Lee was born in Hsinchu, Taiwan, in 1936. He showed an early interest in chemistry and physics, which guided his academic pursuits. Lee received his B.Sc. degree in chemistry from the National Taiwan University in 1959. He then moved to the United States for his graduate studies, earning his Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley in 1965, under the guidance of Professor Bruce Mahan.

Career and Research

After completing his Ph.D., Lee continued his research in chemical dynamics at Harvard University with Professor Dudley Herschbach, where he began his pioneering work on crossed molecular beams. This technique allowed for the detailed study of the dynamics of chemical reactions on a molecular level by observing the collision of molecules in a controlled environment.

In 1974, Lee joined the faculty of the University of California, Berkeley, where he further developed his research in chemical dynamics. His work provided new insights into the energy distributions among reaction products, helping to elucidate the mechanisms of chemical reactions. Lee's research has had a profound impact on the theoretical and practical understanding of chemical processes, leading to advancements in various technologies, including the development of new materials and the improvement of atmospheric models.

Nobel Prize

In 1986, Yuan T. Lee was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry along with Dudley Herschbach and John C. Polanyi for their contributions to the dynamics of chemical elementary processes. Lee's part of the prize was specifically for his work using crossed molecular beams to study the dynamics of chemical reactions. This recognition highlighted the importance of understanding chemical reactions at the molecular level and opened new avenues for research in chemical kinetics and dynamics.

Later Career and Legacy

Following his Nobel win, Lee continued his research while also taking on significant roles in promoting science and education. He has served as the president of the Academia Sinica in Taiwan, where he has been instrumental in advancing scientific research and education in Taiwan and across Asia. Lee's commitment to education and research has made him a prominent figure in the global scientific community, advocating for sustainable development and the responsible use of science and technology in addressing global challenges.

Awards and Honors

In addition to the Nobel Prize, Yuan T. Lee has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to chemistry and science, including the National Medal of Science in the United States and the Faraday Medal in the United Kingdom. He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and several other prestigious scientific organizations around the world.

Personal Life

Yuan T. Lee is married and has three children. He is known for his dedication to his family, his passion for science, and his commitment to education and environmental sustainability.

See Also

• Chemical kinetics
• Reaction dynamics
• Nobel Prize in Chemistry
• Crossed molecular beam