Geraldine Richmond is a preeminent physical chemist honored with the National Medal of Science and the Priestley Medal, the American Chemical Society’s highest award. She recently concluded her service as the U.S. Under Secretary of Energy for Science and Innovation (2021–2025), where she managed 13 national laboratories and a $15 billion research portfolio.
Currently the Interim Vice President for Research & Innovation at the University of Oregon, Dr. Richmond is renowned for using nonlinear laser spectroscopy to map molecular interactions at complex liquid surfaces. As the founder of COACh, she has mentored over 25,000 women scientists worldwide, leaving a transformative legacy in both molecular research and global science advocacy.