Laura Gagliardi visits the UNamur in the framework of the prestigious Solvay/Syensqo Chair in Chemistry

Your research ranges from fundamental to applied chemistry. Can you explain what you do?

My background is in fundamental chemistry and physics—the study of the basic principles that govern matter, from atoms and molecules to the chemical bonds that connect them. During my Ph.D., I focused on developing theoretical concepts and converting them into computer codes, which required a lot of mathematics, rigor, and careful methodology.

I have always been fascinated by physical and theoretical chemistry. Synthetic chemistry in the lab can sometimes be compared to cooking—you follow a recipe and observe the results. My husband is an organic chemist and also the cook in our family; he always tells me to go play the piano while he’s in the kitchen! I’m not allowed anywhere near it. 😊

What truly fascinates me is understanding why things work in a certain way, not just that they work. My group performs computer simulations that allow us to probe reaction mechanisms at the molecular level. These simulations help us explain experimental observations, make quantitative predictions, and even design new molecular systems and materials that can later be tested and refined in the laboratory.

Currently, a large portion of my research focuses on metal–organic frameworks, or MOFs—materials made of metal ions/clusters linked by organic molecules. MOFs are exciting because of their enormous surface areas and highly tunable pore structures, which make them ideal for a wide range of applications. We are particularly interested in using MOFs to address climate change challenges, for example, by capturing carbon dioxide, storing hydrogen, and purifying water. Beyond these, MOFs are also being explored for catalysis, drug delivery, and even as sensors for detecting pollutants and biomolecules.

You're a scientific leader in the field of computational chemistry. How did you come to choose this path?

I grew up in Italy, in a very supportive environment. My mother was a mathematics teacher, and my father was an engineer, so I was surrounded by numbers, logic, and curiosity from an early age. I was always drawn to mathematics, physics, and chemistry, and my parents encouraged me to be ambitious and to pursue excellence in whatever I did. Their support and belief in me gave me the confidence to follow my curiosity wherever it led.

During your education, did you encounter difficulties linked to the fact that you are a woman?

Of course. At that time, society was still very stereotyped and biased. My grandfather, who admired my determination, used to say I would become a high school headmaster—that was already considered quite an achievement for a woman then!  My professors were kind and encouraging, but when they saw my academic performance, they assumed I would become a high school teacher, which was considered the highest position most people could imagine for a woman in science. Nobody would have said “astronaut” or “CEO of a large company”—those roles were thought to be reserved for men. Things turned out differently. By the time I was doing my Ph.D., my parents were proud of me, though I don’t think they expected me to have this kind of career. And I am truly passionate about my job—it never feels routine.

Do you have a message for the young generation?

The most important thing is to find your passion. You will spend a large part of your life working, so you might as well do something you genuinely love. When you love what you do, you naturally find the strength and motivation to persevere.

I like to quote the Italian author Primo Levi, who wrote in the Wrench: “Finding a job you like is the closest approximation to happiness in this world.” As a woman—and even though things have improved—you still have to work very hard to demonstrate your worth. I deeply believe in excellence, and I value it when I see it in others, regardless of gender. Excellence speaks for itself. 

I also believe that family, friends, and mentors are indispensable sources of inspiration. You need role models and supportive figures to help you grow, stay passionate, and strive for excellence. We are fortunate to live in a privileged environment where many opportunities are within reach. 

My advice is to use that privilege to make a difference—by finding your passion and pursuing it wholeheartedly.

Laura Gagliardi is a professor at the University of Chicago, United States of America. 

Picture credit - University of Chicago

After her scholarship in Bologna, Italy, a post-doctoral position in Cambridge, England, she began her independent academic career in Palermo, Italy, then in Geneva, Switzerland. In 2009, she moved to the United States where she was a professor at the University of Minnesota. She remained there until her move to the University of Chicago in 2020. She is the Richard and Kathy Leventhal Professor at the University of Chicago with a joint appointment at the Department of Chemistry and the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering. 

In addition to her dedication to science, Laura is a strong advocate for women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Laura Gagliardi was awarded this prestigious Solvay chair in Chemistry for her groundbreaking work on electronic structure methods for complex chemical systems, which highlights her leadership and impact on the world of chemistry.