Previewing ISMS 2026: Minjung Son on Her Upcoming Flygare Award Lecture

The 79th International Symposium on Molecular Spectroscopy is coming up this month.

From June 22^nd to the 26^th, the molecular spectroscopy community will gather at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign to share ongoing research in molecular spectroscopy, touching upon topics such as astronomy and atmospheric science.¹ ISMS is known for its collaborative and welcoming atmosphere, allowing younger researchers to interact with seasoned scientists in the field, providing attendees a unique networking opportunity that not all scientific conferences facilitate as much.¹

But how can conference attendees maximize their time at the show? What are the best strategies younger researchers can implement to engage in productive networking conversations with the veterans and experts in the space.

As part of our preview of this upcoming conference, we sat down with Minjung Son, who is an assistant professor of chemistry at Boston University in Boston, Massachusetts, so that she can offer insight into this topic.

Son’s group investigates the fundamental photophysical processes that govern how energy and charge move through molecular, material, and biological systems.² Using ultrafast optical spectroscopy and microscopy, the team studies the dynamics underlying these processes.² Son’s group also develops advanced nanomaterials and hybrid photonic materials known as polaritons to uncover new photophysical phenomena and better understand structure–property relationships relevant to functionality and energy conversion applications.²

In the video clip, Son addresses two questions. First, Son discusses her upcoming Flygare Award lecture at the conference, offering a brief preview as to what she will be talking about. Son also provides practical information for young attendees who are looking to make the most out of their ISMS experience, drawing from her experience of attending the conference in a previous year.

To read our latest coverage of this scientific conference, you can visit our International Symposium on Molecular Spectroscopy (ISMS) conference landing page.

References

1. ISMS, 79th International Symposium on Molecular Spectroscopy. Illinois.edu. Available at: https://isms.illinois.edu/ (Accessed June 8^th, 2026).
2. Boston University, Minjung Son. BU.edu. Available at: https://www.bu.edu/chemistry/profile/minjung-son/ (Accessed June 8^th, 2026).