The Amundson Lecture

The Amundson Lecture is an annual lectureship that brings to campus a distinguished scholar whose work reflects the values exemplified by Professor Neal R. Amundson: scholarship, innovation, and the rigorous advancement of chemical engineering and materials science. Amundson, who served as department head from 1949 to 1974, was a visionary leader who pioneered the application of mathematics in chemical engineering.

Amundson became head of Chemical Engineering at the University of Minnesota in 1949 at the age of 33, following a brief period working in industry after earning his B.S. in Chemical Engineering and Ph.D. in Mathematics. During his 25-year tenure, he shaped what would become one of the nation’s leading chemical engineering programs by recruiting an eclectic mix of scientists, applied mathematicians, and engineers. Known as “The Chief,” he valued creativity and rigor in both teaching and research, while cultivating a culture of collegiality and collaboration in the department.

In 1970, the introduction of Materials Science and Engineering into the department broadened its scope and laid the foundation for our current CEMS department. The Amundson Lecture honors his enduring legacy by exposing students, postdocs, and faculty to groundbreaking research and world-class leadership across both fields.

Past Amundson Lecturers
 2025 – Mark Hersam
 2024 – Darrell Schlom
 2023 – Gilda Barabino
 2022 – No Lecture
 2021 – Dan Hickman
 2020 – Canceled (Dan Hickman)
 2019 – Juan de Pablo
 2018 – Mark Davis
 2017 – Paula Hammond
 2016 – Glenn Fredrickson
 2015 – Bob Birgeneau
 2014 – John Seinfeld
 2013 – Nicholas Abbott