Nanotech News - Remembering Richard Smalley

Remembering Richard Smalley

Few events could be sadder for the scientific community than the recent passing of Dr. Richard E. Smalley of Rice University, Houston, Texas — scientist, innovator, Nobel Prize Laureate, teacher, advocate for the wise application of technology to the most pressing problems of humanity, cancer patient, and most fortunately for all of us someone who saw the future. The cause that is our life’s work has taken him from us much too early.

Richard was distinguished for a host of accomplishments, but his fame spread most widely for his discovery, with Robert Curl and Sir Harry Kroto, of the C60 molecule, called buckminsterfullerene, or the “buckyball.” That discovery is credited with launching the world of nanometer-sized particles, and in that respect, Richard was truly the “grandfather” of the entire field of nanotechnology.

There was never a moment for Richard when he was not pursuing tirelessly both the visionary and pragmatic potential of his discoveries. He sought to solve the world’s energy and food supply problems through the use of nanotechnology, and he devoted endless hours to helping to shape the national policy decisions that would enable such applications. He understood the role of the private sector in the successful development of new science, and was among the first to found a nanotechnology-based firm. Richard was always a positive force at that dynamic intersection where science and policy; academe, government and the private sector; and human needs and public opinion meet. And in the best tradition of scientific mentoring, Richard sought to advance the scientific careers of the next generation: it is no accident that many other distinguished leaders in the field of nanotechnology worked in Richard’s laboratory, notably, Jim Heath of the California Institute of Technology.

Richard’s accomplishments and awards are too numerous to list here, and can be found in countless articles about his life and work. For everyone who participates in the community of the Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer, however, it is especially important to recall his avid support for this initiative. He joined us as a featured speaker on September 13, 2004 for the public launch of this initiative, saying: “A grand challenge is the ability to detect cancer earlier — and the answer almost certainly will include nanotechnology.” He then poignantly reminded us of the urgency of the need for a breakthrough in nanotechnology on behalf of the millions of cancer patients, of whom — he mentioned wryly and with quiet bravery — he was one.

One year later, the scientific community has mobilized its efforts to apply nanotechnology to cancer. Ironically, the “breakthrough” Richard described will come too late for him. But his work continues as our inspiration. His legacy is the spirit of dedication and persistence that draws us day after day, disappointment after disappointment, and discovery after discovery to eliminate the death and suffering caused by this most terrible disease.

All of us at NCI mourn Richard’s passing, and remain grateful that it was our privilege to know him.

Ann Barker, Ph.D.
Deputy Director
National Cancer Institute
October 30, 2005