School of Molecular Sciences faculty member honored for contributions to photochemical sciences
Regents Professor Ana Moore, acclaimed faculty member of the Arizona State University School of Molecular Sciences, has been named the 2025 recipient of the prestigious George S. Hammond Award from the Inter-American Photochemical Society (I-APS). This award, one of the highest honors in the field of photochemistry, recognizes lifelong achievements and contributions to the photochemical sciences.
Established in 2013, the George S. Hammond Award honors the memory and legacy of Professor George S. Hammond, whose pioneering work laid the foundation for modern photochemical sciences. The award will be presented to Moore at the 2025 I-APS meeting and is endowed by Hammond’s former students and colleagues.
Moore, who joined ASU in 1976, is the longest continuously serving female faculty member at the School of Molecular Sciences. Initially brought on as a teaching intern, her research potential in artificial photosynthesis quickly garnered attention. Working alongside colleagues Devens Gust and Tom Moore, she led a team of students and postdoctoral associates in developing bio-inspired molecular systems for energy conversion and storage. Their work positioned ASU as a leader in the field of both natural and artificial photosynthesis, contributing to the university’s international reputation.
"I am honored to receive the Hammond Award from I-APS,” Moore said, reflecting on the recognition. “George Hammond is one of my heroes due to his scientific and societal contributions. Many years ago, in Argentina and Brazil, my study of organic chemistry was highly influenced by Cram and Hammond's book 'Organic Chemistry,' which was then considered revolutionary.
“Most of my work at Arizona State University has been done in collaboration with Tom Moore and Devens Gust,” Moore added. “I thank them and the dedicated undergraduate and graduate students and postdocs for helping make my life in chemical science fruitful and rewarding."
Moore’s contributions extend beyond her research, playing a vital role in establishing the Center for the Study of Early Events in Photosynthesis at ASU alongside Gust, Moore, Robert Blankenship and Willem Vermaas. Their work has significantly advanced the understanding of energy conversion processes, making a lasting impact on the scientific community. This year marks Moore's 47th year of dedicated service to ASU, a testament to her commitment to advancing knowledge and mentoring the next generation of scientists.
The ASU community celebrates Moore's outstanding achievements and contributions, recognizing her as a trailblazer whose work continues to shape the future of photochemical sciences. Tijana Rajh, director of the School of Molecular Sciences, said, “We take great pride in having Professor Ana Moore as our SMS’s longest-continuously serving female faculty member. Ana and her collaborators have inspired countless young scientists around the globe to develop innovative artificial photosynthetic systems creatively, equipping them with the tools to explore new functions born from human imagination. Ana is truly a most deserving recipient of the George S. Hammond Award.”
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