2026 IIN Rosemary Schnell Symposium: Lights, Nano, Action!

REGISTER NOW for the 2026 International Institute for Nanotechnology (IIN) Rosemary Schnell Symposium: Lights, Nano, Action! Light activates nanoparticles inside tumors, drives chemical reactions without heat, and allows scientists to image living tissue at cellular resolution without ever making a cut. On Thursday, October 15, 2026 , the International Institute for Nanotechnology (IIN) brings together six of the world’s foremost nanoscientists for a full day of transformative talks, rigorous exchange, and cross-disciplinary energy that has always defined the IIN. The IIN Rosemary Schnell Symposium takes place at the Hilton Orrington Hotel in Evanston, Illinois. This year’s program features researchers who have redefined what is possible in their areas of science, spanning nanophotonics, synthetic biology, single-molecule imaging, biomedical nanomaterials, and flexible electronics. Session I 8:30 am – 9:00 am : Registration (coffee & refreshments served) 9:15 am – 9:30 am : Welcome by Chad A. Mirkin 9:30 am – 10:15 am : Naomi Halas – Stanley C. Moore Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering; Director, Laboratory for Nanophotonics, Rice University 10:15 am – 11:00 am: Hongjie Dai – The J.G. Jackson and C.J. Wood Professor of Chemistry, Emeritus, Stanford University 11:00 am – 11:20 am : Break Session II 11:20 am – 12:05 pm : Neal Devaraj – Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Presidential Chair in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics Chair, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, University of California, San Diego 12:05 pm – 12:50 pm : Xiaodong Chen – Professor in Materials Science and Engineering and Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 12:50 pm – 1:50 pm : Break for lunch (not provided) Session III 1:50 pm – 2:35 pm : Taeghwan Hyeon – Director, Center for Nanoparticle Research, Institute for Basic Science, Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Seoul National Universit