Leading Japanese chemist Eiichi Nakamura joins China’s Nankai University
The electron microscopy pioneer has received one of his country’s highest awards as well as scientific plaudits during a 50-year career
One of Japan’s most distinguished chemists, Eiichi Nakamura, has been appointed a chair professor at Nankai University in China.
During his 50-year career, Nakamura has received numerous scientific awards as well as one of Japan’s highest honours.
The University of Tokyo professor’s research spans synthetic and physical chemistry, and focuses on the functions of organic and inorganic substances.
He has pioneered the use of atomic-resolution transmission electron microscopy to study the motions and reactions of individual molecules.
Using the technique known as Smart-EM, or single-molecule atomic-resolution time-resolved electron microscopy, Nakamura has established himself as a world leader in organic synthesis, which has developed into one of the most important branches of chemistry.
Organic chemistry has moved far beyond the study of plants and animals to involve all carbon-containing elements. For example, a paper by Nakamura published in the journal Science in September focused on the synthesis of nanoscale artificial diamonds at room temperature.