For release: Oct. 4, 1999
Contacts:
John Corbett, Materials Chemistry, (515) 294-3086
Susan Dieterle, Public Affairs, (515) 294-1405
Corbett Selected for Major Inorganic Chemistry Award
AMES, Iowa -- John Corbett, a senior chemist at the U.S. Department of Energy's Ames
Laboratory and a distinguished professor of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at
Iowa State University, will receive the American Chemical Society's prestigious award for
Distinguished Service in the Advancement of Inorganic Chemistry.
Corbett will be honored at the society's annual meeting in March 2000, where he will
deliver the award address and receive a cash prize of $5,000. The award is sponsored
by Strem Chemicals Inc.
The award recognizes Corbett's contributions in developing and expanding the study of
solid-state inorganic chemistry -- a field that was virtually nonexistent 30 years ago.
Solid-state inorganic chemistry involves the study of compounds unique to the solid state
that contain little or no carbon. During his 47-year career, Corbett has made
groundbreaking
discoveries about the existence, bonding, structures and properties of many new compounds.
Several of Corbett's former students have gone on to teach at institutions throughout the
United States and the world. "It's gratifying to know that I've helped nucleate a lot
of solid-state chemistry in this country at academic institutions concerned with
fundamental research," he said.
Corbett has received several awards throughout his career, including his 1992 election to
the National Academy of Sciences. In 1986, Corbett received the American Chemical
Society's Award in Inorganic Chemistry -- the only other inorganic chemistry award given
by the 160,000-member organization.
He has given 285 lectures and seminars, and has authored more than 340 research articles.
He has also served on the editorial boards of several major chemistry journals. He
received his doctorate from the University of Washington in 1952.
Ames Laboratory is operated for the Department of Energy by Iowa State University. The Lab
conducts research into various areas of national concern, including energy resources,
high-speed computer design, environmental cleanup and restoration, and the synthesis and
study of new materials.
Last revision: 10/4/99 dbm