On April 19, 2024, Prof. Yang Jiao was honored as a distinguished guest speaker at the sixth installment of the “Beauty of Disciplines Series Lectures-The Beauty of Chemistry,” a collaborative initiative by the Peking University Library and the School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering. Addressing a diverse audience of over 40 faculty and students, his lecture, titled “A Dynamic and Ordered Supramolecular World,” delved into the principles and practical applications of supramolecular chemistry.

In his enlightening report, Prof. Jiao began by leveraging two compelling examples to vividly illustrate the critical role that molecular recognition and assembly play in shaping the properties and functions of materials. This segued into a clear definition of supramolecular chemistry as a discipline that extends “beyond the molecular level.” Proceeding further, he introduced the audience to the spectrum of intermolecular interactions, various techniques for amplifying weak intermolecular forces, and the principles underlying molecular recognition and assembly. Through this, Prof. Jiao delineated the elemental structure of supramolecular chemistry, highlighting that its defining traits-dynamics and order-are instrumental in mimicking the intricate systems of the natural world, thereby creating opportunities for the discovery of novel properties and functionalities.

Subsequently, Prof. Jiao curated a series of research vignettes from both domestic and international domains, each marked by significant scientific depth and practical utility. He elaborated on the expansive potential of supramolecular chemistry, showcasing its diverse application horizons across the realms of energy, environmental science, materials technology, and the vital areas of life and health.

Following the lecture, Prof. Jiao fostered an interactive dialogue with the attendees, thoughtfully addressing each query posed by the engaged audience.