Flatiron Initiative for Computational Catalysis Co-Director Timothy Berkelbach Receives 2025 ACS Award in Pure Chemistry

A photo of Timothy Berkelbach, the co-director of the Initiative for Computational Catalysis — Flatiron Initiative for Computational Catalysis Co-Director Timothy Berkelbach.

The American Chemical Society (ACS) today announced that Initiative for Computational Catalysis (ICC) Co-Director Timothy Berkelbach will receive the 2025 ACS Award in Pure Chemistry. This award aims to “recognize and encourage fundamental research in pure chemistry carried out in North America by young men and women.” Berkelbach will receive a $5,000 cash prize and travel expenses to the ACS Spring 2025 Meeting in San Diego, where he will accept the award.

Berkelbach’s research focuses on developing and applying new computational methods for quantum chemistry and materials science, concentrating on excited states and spectroscopy. As co-director of the ICC, he oversees the investigation and development of substances called catalysts that accelerate chemical reactions, helping to generate clean energy and reduce the environmental impact of industrial processes.

Berkelbach received his B.A. from New York University and his Ph.D. from Columbia University. Before his role with the ICC, he was a research scientist at the Center for Computational Quantum Physics. He currently serves as associate professor in the Department of Chemistry at Columbia University. He has received several prestigious honors, including the ASC National Fresenius Award, the National Science Foundation’s CAREER award, the Department of Energy’s Early Career Award and the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers.