The White House has announced that University of Chicago President Paul Alivisatos is one of the recipients of this year's Enrico Fermi Presidential Award. This prestigious award, established in 1956, recognizes individuals for significant contributions to energy science and technology.

Alivisatos shares the accolade with Prof. Héctor D. Abruña from Cornell University and John H. Nuckolls, former director of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm stated, “It’s an honor to recognize three DOE scientists who have accomplished a tremendous feat of advancing scientific knowledge in nanoscience, electroanalytical chemistry and fusion.”

The citation for Alivisatos highlights his research in developing materials and physical chemistry essential for creating nanocrystals and polymers that support energy-efficient technologies, optical devices, and medical diagnostics.

Alivisatos expressed his gratitude by saying, “I am delighted to receive this award. It is a recognition that carries special meaning given the connection of its namesake to the University of Chicago.”

This award continues UChicago's legacy with over a quarter of its recipients being faculty members or alumni from the university. Notable past winners include Mortimer Elkind (1996), Richard L. Garwin (1996), Leon Lederman (1992), and Edward Teller (1962).

In addition to the Fermi Award, Alivisatos was also named a recipient of the 2024 Kavli Award in Nanoscience earlier this year. His accolades include the National Medal of Science and the Wolf Prize in Chemistry.

The ceremony honoring Alivisatos and his fellow awardees will take place on January 10, 2025, in Washington D.C.