Molecules for Energy

Sustainable energy use and electricity production are the two most important global issues to resolve, and materials science plays a key role.

For the first time, a Molecular Frontiers Symposium took place at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden, which is where the Molecular Frontiers headquarters is located.

Time: November 4, 2014 Location: Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg

Nanoscience and the Future of the Carbon Cycle

Nanoscience provides us with a systematic approach for designing new energy conversion systems, and will play a major role in creating a balanced global carbon cycle. Paul Alivisatos from University of California, Berkeley, is a pioneer in this field.

Pi-conjugated organic molecules and polymers are now used in light-emitting diodes, smartphone displays, and many other devices. Sir Richard Friend of University of Cambridge talks about his work with thin-film organic semiconductors that can vastly improve solar cells.

How can we make chemical reactors more efficient?

Signe Kjelstrup from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology talks about how molecular phenomena affect the efficiency of process units like distillation columns or chemical reactors.

Concentrating Solar Thermal Power

Efficient solar power production can be achieved by having a large field of mirrors that concentrate the sun’s heat onto a collector at the top of a central tower, and using molten salt to store the heat. Erik Pihl explains.

Making Materials That Hate Water To Love Water

Richard Zare at Stanford University runs a research project related to human health: the making of better blood collection tubes. He shows how they are able to change the surface of the plastic tubes to make it glass-like. This modification minimizes the risk of hydrophobic (water-hating) molecules sticking to the surface, which could interfere with blood analyses.

Paul Alivisatos: Nanoscience and the Future of the Carbon Cycle

Sir Richard Friend: Thin-Film Organic Semiconductors for Energy-Economic Electronics

Signe Kjelstrup: From Molecules to Efficiency of Process Units

Erik Pihl: Concentrating Solar Thermal Power - Pros and Cons

Richard Zare: Making Materials That Hate Water To Love Water: The Transformative Power of Chemistry

A Nano Focus on Quantum Materials

Our next symposium covers quantum materials, which could revolutionize every aspect of society and economy.

Light at the Nanoscale – from Molecules to Quantum Computers

This symposium covered topics related to light-matter interaction, including quantum computing, super-resolution microscopy, nano optics, deep tissue imaging, and more.

Planet Earth: A Scientific Journey

Together we looked at the planet we live on, from various perspectives: the origin of Life, evolution, biodiversity, climate change and sustainability.

Molecular Puzzles of Life

The first Molecular Frontiers symposium in the U.S. was hosted by MIT, with several local speakers

Sustainable Energy

How do we change the world's energy production from fossil fuels to renewable sources?

Science for Tomorrow

In Tokyo, many students seized the opportunity to learn from the best, as the speakers not only gave inspiring talks but also engaged directly with the students in group work sessions!

Proteins in Medicine

Protein science has made its way into medicine, opening new exciting opportunities.

Tailored Biology

With modern technology, we can design, alter and assemble living systems. We invited a number of leading experts in this field - listen to their talks!

Molecules and Our Healthy Life

For the first time, a Molecular Frontiers Symposium was held in Japan.

Healthy Ageing

As our life expectancy keeps increasing, research on ageing and how we can have a high quality of life at a high age becomes more and more important.

Frontiers of Molecular Sciences

From soft robots to proteins and blue LEDs - this symposium had it all!

Molecules for Energy

What role does materials science play in producing sustainable energy?

The Brain: Achievements and Challenges

Our brain is a fantastic organ, with lots of interesting chemistry

What are the molecular frontiers of tomorrow: the science for you to solve

This special event brough together the most famous collection of scientists ever to visit Korea at one time.

Exploring the Boundaries – the Science of the Extremes

The symposium covered various fields of space research and space exploration, exploration and research of extreme environments on Earth and other planets, and how different living organisms cope and live in extreme environments.

How chemical cycles shape our planet: the global challenge

Climate change, fuel, environment and sustainability - from a chemical perspective

Emerging Technologies in Biomedicine

Meet the science superheroes who enable amazing progress in biomedicine!

Origin of Life and Molecular Evolution

How did life on Earth begin, and how did it evolve?

Alternative Energy & Molecules

The 2010 Symposium at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences covered topics such as photovoltaics, hydrogen production and solar concentration power.

Of Molecules and Minds – The Machinery of Our Senses and Emotions

The first Molecular Frontiers Symposium to deal with the brain - how does the mind and our senses work, from a molecular perspective?

Energy and Nano: Emerging Molecular Science & Technology

Many distinguished lecturers, including Nobel Prize winner Sir Aaron Klug, participated in this symposium.