Queen’s University professor Tucker Carrington (Chemistry), Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in
Computational Quantum Dynamics, is one of only 100 recipients worldwide across all disciplines to receive a prestigious Humboldt Research Award. The honour recognizes his fundamental contributions to chemistry, and in particular to advancing our understanding of the movement of atoms in molecules. 

Awarded to those whose research discoveries have had a significant impact on their own discipline, winners are invited to spend up to one year in Germany to build or strengthen research collaborations. Dr. Carrington will travel to the University of Bielefeld for six months starting in September. 

“Dr. Carrington has made seminal and important contributions to his field of research,” says Dr. Daniel Woolf, Queen’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor. “This international award is another testament to the level of research excellence at Queen’s and in Canada.”

Carrington is the second Queen’s faculty member to receive a Humboldt in the past three years; Dr. Nikolaus Troje (Psychology) garnered the award in 2014.

Nominated by Dr. Uwe Manthe, a professor at the University of Bielefeld, the two will use mathematics and computers to understand better the motion of atoms in molecules and during reactions. The research may provide a better understanding of reactions that occur in the atmosphere and in combustion.  

“Dr. Manthe is an extremely bright man and I’m looking forward to our collaboration”, says Dr. Carrington.  “This award will make it possible for us to extend and generalize computational methods we have both developed.  An academic sabbatical is a privilege we enjoy as professors. My sabbatical will give me the opportunity to focus on research.”

Although, it’s Dr. Carrington’s research that is being recognized, he’s quick to point out that earning a lifetime research achievement award isn’t a solo endeavor. “I’ve learnt a great deal from students and postdoctoral fellows during my entire career. I would not have won this award without the contributions of talented students and postdocs.   My research isn’t possible without them.”

For more information on the award, visit the website.