Rice University scientist and engineer Naomi Halas was awarded the 2025 Benjamin Franklin Medal in Chemistry May 1 at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.
Halas, who holds the title of University Professor at Rice, was recognized for her pioneering work in nanoshell technology ⎯ light-activated nanoscale particles that can be used in biomedical and chemical applications ranging from cancer treatment to green fuel production.
“It was truly an honor to be part of the Franklin Medal Awards this year,” Halas said. “With 200 years of practice, they really know how to stage an event and throw a party. It was truly a humbling honor to meet the extremely talented and interesting laureates in science and engineering and Jamie Dimon, honored for his leadership in the world of business.”
Watch the video profile courtesy of The Franklin Institute to learn how her discovery became a real-world cancer treatment and sparked new directions in imaging, drug delivery and clean energy.
Read the full award announcement here.