The transformation of the Lash Miller Building continued throughout summer 2024, with the naming of the John Polanyi Research Wing. The area, which houses six research floors and the administrative and financial offices of the Department, has now completed installation of a portrait of the Nobel Prize-winning chemist in the lobby of the building, at the research wing's entrance.
The move to rename the wing was spearheaded by Professor Rob Batey during his tenure as Chair of the Department Chemistry. At a celebration honouring the chemist in 2022, Batey cited Polanyi’s five-decade career, his immense contributions to the world of science, and his revolutionary research in the field of chemistry, specifically chemical-reaction dynamics.
“The painting was a gift from John to the department and was painted by his wife, distinguished portrait artist Brenda Bury,” said department chair Mark Lautens, in an August message to the U of T chemistry community. “This painting hung above John’s desk at home for many years. Now it has a place of pride in the department. We are very grateful for their generosity.”
Polanyi and Bury visited the Department of Chemistry in April to view a display honoring his achievement and long career at the U of T. He joined the faculty in 1956, received the Nobel Prize in 1986, and became a Professor Emeritus upon his retirement in 2021. The display can be seen in the passageway between the entrance to the building off St. George, leading toward the Davenport Lash Miller Courtyard Garden.
Both the display and the research wing serve to celebrate Polanyi’s contributions to the University and the Department—as well as the world at large — through his scientific discoveries and passionate, lifelong advocacy for nuclear disarmament. The display includes a video, which can be viewed online.
“John and his research have brought great distinction to the department, and it is a pleasure to honour him in this way,” Lautens said.
The Lash Miller Building is undergoing a major expansion for the new home of the Acceleration Consortium. The project broke ground in November 2023 and also includes upgrades to the A.D. Allen Chemistry Library this fall, as well as the creation of a new computer lab on the ground floor, just steps from the courtyard garden and Polanyi display.
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