Simplicity as a Component of Invention

"Complexity" is relatively simple to think about. "Simplicity" is more complex. This seminar considers simplicity - together with "stackability" as a parameter in research, using examples from ongoing large-scale technology and from Whitesides' own research.

About the Speaker

Harvard professor of chemistry George Whitesides is a pioneer in microfabrication and nanoscale self-assembly. The author of over 1000 publications, he holds over 50 patents, and has co-founded 12 companies—including biotechnology giant Genzyme. He is a recipient of numerous awards, including the National Medal of Science (1998) and the Priestley Medal (2007)—the highest honor given by the American Chemical Society—and is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the National Academy of Sciences, and the National Academy of Engineering. His current research interests include energy, the origin of life, rational drug design, and science for developing economies. His nonprofit Diagnostics for All is fabricating a diagnostic lab the size of a postage stamp.

About the Event

Dartmouth's annual Visionaries in Technology series honors engineers and scientists whose insights have benefited humanity through revolutionary engineering solutions, paradigm shifting scientific advances, novel fields of inquiry, or policy shaping debate.