Studying Astrochemistry and Nanomaterials

Back in June, the International Symposium for Molecular Spectroscopy took place on the campus of the University of Illinois. This conference, which is held annually, covers the latest trends and advancements in molecular spectroscopy. ISMS also prides itself in being a conference where students, undergraduate and graduate, can interact directly with seasoned professionals in the space.

As part of Spectroscopy’s coverage of this conference, I spoke with Miguel Sanz-Novo and Minjung Son about the work they are conducting in molecular spectroscopy. As you will see in this video, both researchers cover different areas of molecular spectroscopy. Sanz-Novo studies the chemistry of star-forming regions, from complex organic molecules to phosphorus-bearing species that hint at the origins of prebiotic chemistry. Son, meanwhile, investigates how energy and charge move across nanomaterial interfaces using ultrafast spectroscopy and microscopy.

The insights both researchers give offer an idea of where molecular spectroscopy is heading, particularly in the study of astrochemistry and nanomaterials.

It’s not just how molecular spectroscopy techniques are being used that are delivering new insights; it’s also how advanced instruments and observational platforms use their unique capabilities to help researchers extract these insights.

Apart from astrochemistry, molecular spectroscopy is being used to study nanomaterials. In this space, ultrafast spectroscopy and microscopy provide unique advances.

These insights from Sanz-Novo and Son underscore that the field of molecular spectroscopy is growing at a rapid rate. As new discoveries are occurring in the industry, the question becomes how scientists can remain in control over the technology they use for their research.

“Having better control over nanomaterials will allow us to design materials with properties that are tailored for specific applications rather than just discovering them by trial and error,” Son said.² “For example, if you can understand exactly how energy and charge move through the systems and what factors and parameters influence these processes, we can start building more efficient solar cells, better light emitting devices, and new quantum technologies.”

To learn more about the ISMS conference, you can explore our coverage of this conference here: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/conferences/international-symposium-on-molecular-spectroscopy

References

1. Sanz-Novo, M.; Wetzel, W. Understanding the Origins of Prebiotic Chemistry. Spectroscopy Online, 2026. https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/understanding-the-origins-of-prebiotic-chemistry (accessed August 18, 2026).
2. Son, M.; Wetzel, W. Exploring Emerging Photophysical Phenomena. Spectroscopy Online, 2026. https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/exploring-emerging-photophysical-phenomena (accessed August 18, 2026).