2026 IIN Rosemary Schnell Symposium: Lights, Nano, Action!
About this Event
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 University
2:35 pm – 3:20 pm: Christy Landes – Jerry A. Walker Endowed Chair in Chemistry; Professor of Chemistry, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
3:20 pm – 3:40 pm: Break
3:40 pm – 4:40 pm: Panel discussion with all speakers
4:40 pm – 4:45 pm: Closing Remarks
4:45 pm – 5:45 pm: Reception
While attendance is free, registration is required. Register today to secure your spot!
For more details, go to: https://www.iinano.org/event/2026-iin-rosemary-schnell-symposium/
We hope to see you there!
About Rosemary Schnell:
Rosemary Schnell, a dedicated teacher in Niles, IL, left an indelible mark on many lives. Friends remember her as a lifelong learner, active volunteer, and generous philanthropist.
As a proud Northwestern alumna, Rosemary closely followed the university's research achievements, with a special interest in the work of the IIN. She was a regular attendee at all major IIN events, and the annual IIN Symposium was among her favorites.
Before her passing in 2021, Rosemary made a bequest to establish the Rosemary Schnell Fund for Innovation and Technology at the IIN. This fund supports outreach programs and helps scientists tackle critical challenges in medicine, energy, and the environment. We are deeply honored to celebrate Rosemary’s legacy by naming our annual symposium in her memory.
Event Sponsors
Thank you to our 2026 Symposium Sponsors!
Their support allows us to offer this event to attendees at no charge.
- GSK
- Glen Research, part of Maravai LifeSciences
- American Elements
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
