Image for John Polanyi

John Polanyi

John Polanyi is a Canadian scientist renowned for his work in chemistry, particularly in understanding how molecules behave when they absorb energy. He used advanced techniques to study chemical reactions at the atomic level, helping to reveal the mechanisms behind how molecules break apart or combine. His research has contributed significantly to fields like combustion and materials science. In 1986, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, sharing it with others for pioneering methods that allow scientists to observe reactions as they happen, deepening our understanding of the fundamental processes in chemistry.