Associate Professor Rebekka Klausen is one of 31 finalists for the Blavatnik National Award for Young Scientists, the world’s largest unrestricted prize honoring early-career scientists and engineers. Three winners in life sciences, chemistry, and physical sciences and engineering will be announced in July, each receiving $250,000 as a Blavatnik National Awards Laureate.

Klausen was nominated for her work in synthetic polymer chemistry. By applying the principles underlying carbon-based synthesis to other elements in the periodic table, Klausen has achieved unprecedented control over the structure and function of silicon-based molecules and polymers. These concepts may enable tailor-made, ultrasmall silicon chips designed atom-by-atom for specific applications.