INVITED SPEAKERS (2025)

• 

  The Robert J. Le Roy Lecturer Robert J. Le Roy (1943-2018)
  Robert J. LeRoy, one of Canada’s foremost theoretical chemists, followed his father into academia and became a learned giant within a highly specialized field. His work focused on the behaviour of molecules and atoms, particularly the forces occurring among them. When asked to explain the complexities of his profession to laypeople he was known to say: “I study the sex life of molecules.”
  Mischievously good humoured, the University of Waterloo professor inspired and mentored thousands of young scientists. His work on predictive computer modelling resulted in many honours and awards including the Rutherford Memorial Medal in Chemistry by the Royal Society of Canada (1984) and the J. Heyrovsky Honorary Medal for Merit in the Chemical Sciences by the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic (1995). He always said, “Don’t choose something because it’s easy – choose it because it’s challenging and worthwhile.”
  In his 40s, Mr. LeRoy was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a relatively rare cancer in someone so young. When chemotherapy caused his hair to fall out, he decided to adopt a new look – shaving his head and piercing his ear. University of Waterloo colleagues and students got together to present him with an earring made out of a bolt. He wore it with pride.
  Bob was a truly inspiring person and scientist. To celebrate his life and accomplishments, and to honour his memory, we established the "Robert J. Le Roy Lectureship" for the Symposium on Chemical Physics.
  Françoise Remacle
  Université Liège, Belgium

• 

  The Roger E. Miller Lecturer Roger E. Miller (1952-2005)
  The Roger E. Miller Lectureship in Chemical Physics has being established by the friends and admirers of the late Roger E. Miller to honour him and perpetuate his memory. Roger grew up in Kitchener, Ontario, was a B.Sc., M.Sc. and PhD. graduate of the University of Waterloo, and his professional appointments culminated in the John B. Carrol Professorship at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and his election as a Fellow of the Royal Society of London. His remarkable scientific talent was complemented by his exemplary personal character, and he was greatly admired and respected by all who knew him.
  The Lectureship is intended to attract an individual who is internationally recognized for excellence in experimental or theoretical chemical physics, who will be the Plenary Lecturer at the annual Symposium on Chemical Physics held at the University of Waterloo. In addition to his Waterloo roots, Roger was a frequent participant who spoke several times at the Symposium over the 22 year history preceeding his untimely death, so this seems a particularly appropriate way to remember him.
  
  Takamasa Momose
  University of British Columbia, Canada
  

• 

  In memory of Giacinto Scoles Giacinto Scoles (1935-2024)
  This presentation will be dedicated to the memory of Prof. Giacinto Scoles, who passed away on September 24, 2024. Giacinto, joined the University of Waterloo in the early 1970s to introduce advanced molecular beam techniques, helping to redefine how chemists probe the structure and dynamics of matter at the most fundamental level. Alongside his colleagues, Giacinto helped shape the early days of the Symposium on Chemical Physics, envisioning it as a unique forum where theorists and experimentalists could meet on equal footing to discuss the core questions of the field that continue to define the symposium today. Renowned for his insight, wit, and uncompromising scientific standards, Giacinto inspired generations of researchers to think boldly and deeply. He often reminded his students, Giacinto often advised, “Never choose a scientific problem just because it’s easy or popular—choose it because it truly matters.” His legacy endures in the many lives he influenced and in the thriving community of molecular science he helped build at Waterloo, Princeton, and beyond. This year’s Symposium is held in honour of Prof. Giacinto Scoles, whose early leadership and enduring inspiration continue to guide our shared pursuit of discovery.
  
  Kevin Lehmann
  University of Virginia, USA
  

• 

  Michael Van Stipdonk
  Duquesne University, USA
  
  
  

  
  
• 

  Ryan MacDonell
  Dalhousie University, Canada
  

• 

  Chao Zhang
  Uppsala University, Sweden