The Department of Chemistry at the University of California, Riverside marked a significant milestone on April 1, 2026, with the launch of the inaugural Richard R. Schrock Distinguished Lecture, a new series designed to bring leading voices in chemistry to campus and inspire the next generation of scientists.

The lecture honors Distinguished Professor of Chemistry, Richard R. Schrock, a UC Riverside alumnus and Nobel Laureate whose groundbreaking contributions to chemistry have had a lasting global impact. Established to recognize exceptional achievement in synthetic organometallic chemistry, the series reflects both Schrock’s legacy and his continued investment in the future of the field.

The inaugural speaker, Amir H. Hoveyda, is a globally recognized leader in catalysis and chemical synthesis, with appointments at Boston College and Université de Strasbourg. Hoveyda also shares a decades-long scientific collaboration with Schrock—one that has produced more than 90 publications and helped shape advances in modern chemistry.

More than a single event, the lecture marked the beginning of a new tradition at UC Riverside—one centered on intellectual exchange, mentorship, and the continued elevation of chemistry at CNAS.

Advancing Science Through Collaboration and Discovery

Hoveyda’s visit extended well beyond the lecture itself, offering students and faculty multiple opportunities for engagement. Over several days, he met with faculty, participated in research discussions, and spent time with students in both formal and informal settings—creating an environment where ideas could be exchanged across experience levels and areas of expertise.

These moments—often outside the lecture hall—are where the impact of visits like this is most deeply felt, as students gain insight into both the science and the people behind it.

For Hoveyda, the visit carried both personal and professional significance. “Coming back to speak here, where Professor Schrock began his journey, is very special,” Hoveyda said. “When you return to a place where great work started—and stand in front of the next generation—it means a great deal.”

He also underscored what Schrock’s legacy represents for students at UC Riverside. “Professor Schrock is one of the greatest chemists who has ever lived—and he was produced in this department, at this university,” Hoveyda said. “That means students here can reach that level. If he could do it, they could do it.”

Hoveyda, who has collaborated with Schrock for more than two decades, emphasized the importance of mentorship in shaping a scientific career. “I consider him a mentor,” he said. “He works by example—he always challenges you, always pushes you to go higher. You never feel like you’re done. That’s his style, and it’s incredibly inspiring.”

He added that his visit to UC Riverside was, in many ways, a reflection of that enduring influence. “I’m here largely to honor him.”

For Schrock, inviting Hoveyda to deliver the inaugural lecture was both a professional and personal decision. “He’s a longtime collaborator,” Schrock said. “We began working together in the mid-1990s and have published over 90 papers. Bringing him here reflects not only the science, but the relationships that help move the field forward.”

Creating Meaningful Access for Students

A defining feature of the Schrock Distinguished Lecture is its emphasis on access—ensuring that students can engage directly with leaders in their field.

“There’s nothing like being a graduate student and interacting with top players in the game,” said Matthew Conley, Professor of Chemistry at UC Riverside.

Throughout the visit, students had opportunities to connect with Hoveyda in smaller group settings, including informal conversations, research discussions, and extended interactions beyond the lecture itself. These experiences provide a rare window into the mindset, rigor, and creativity required to succeed at the highest levels of science.

“These interactions allow students to see what’s possible,” Conley said. “They gain insight that’s sometimes difficult to get anywhere else.”

By creating space for these exchanges, the lecture series reinforces a core strength of UC Riverside’s chemistry community: a culture that values mentorship, curiosity, and direct engagement between students and leading scholars.

Elevating UCR’s Presence in Chemistry

The launch of the lecture series also signals the continued rise of UC Riverside’s chemistry program on the national and global stage.

“It increases our profile,” Conley said. “This lecture helps position UCR chemistry at the forefront of chemical science, and we’re continuing to build that reputation through our faculty, our students, and the scholars we bring to campus.”

Events like the Schrock Distinguished Lecture not only highlight the department’s research strengths, but also demonstrate its ability to convene influential voices and foster meaningful academic dialogue.

As the series grows, it is expected to further strengthen connections between UC Riverside and the broader scientific community—creating new opportunities for collaboration, visibility, and impact.

A Legacy That Looks Forward

For Schrock, the lecture series represents more than recognition—it is an investment in future generations of scientists and in the continued evolution of the field he helped shape.

“I hope they see that it’s still possible to be creative and inventive,” he said. “It takes hard work. It’s not just one idea—you have to keep pushing.”

With the launch of the Richard R. Schrock Distinguished Lecture, UC Riverside is creating new pathways for discovery—bringing world-class science to campus, strengthening its academic community, and ensuring that students have the opportunity to learn directly from those shaping the future of chemistry.

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