The award honors important research contributions which have had a significant, positive impact on humankind

On October 21, 2019, Dr. Charles M. Lieber, along with Dr. Alivisatos accepted the 2019 Welch Award in Chemistry. The two recipients will share the $500,000 award.

A pioneer in nanoscience, Lieber earned his prestigious Welch Award for providing seminal concepts central to the bottom-up paradigm of nanoscience and for his leadership in the application of nanomaterials. Alivisatos was honored for his work with the fabrication of nanocrystals and their use in renewable energy and biomedical applications is internationally recognized.

The purpose of The Robert A. Welch Award in Chemistry is to foster and encourage basic chemical research and to recognize, in a substantial manner, the value of chemical research contributions for the benefit of humankind as set forth in the will of Robert Alonzo Welch. The founder was invested in chemistry and the field's service to both the betterment and the understanding of human life. 

In accordance with these principles, any person can be considered for the award who has made important chemical research contributions which have a significant, positive influence on humankind.