The interview traces Dr. Paul Weiss’s journey into nanoscience, highlighting his pioneering contributions to nanotechnology. He reflects on how his early curiosity about the role of electronic structure in chemistry led him to explore semiconductors and molecular interactions on surfaces. This path eventually brought him to the development and application of atomic-resolution scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and spectroscopies, allowing him to investigate and control nanoscale switches and motors at the ultimate limits of miniaturization.

Weiss also delves into his interdisciplinary collaborations, notably with Professor Anne Andrews in neuroscience. He discusses how nanoscience is transforming brain research through the BRAIN Initiative, helping to develop advanced tools for understanding neural circuits and neurological disorders. In medicine, Weiss highlights his work with Professor Steve Jonas on safe, high-throughput gene editing techniques for treating conditions like sickle cell disease and thalassemia, as well as innovations in cancer therapy and cellular manipulation.

The conversation extends to his involvement in the U.S. Microbiome Initiative, where nanoscience is used to probe microbial ecosystems and their implications for human health. Weiss also explores the promise of nanoscience in tissue engineering and personalized medicine. At UCLA, he leads the Challenge Initiative, an ambitious program that assembles cross-disciplinary teams to tackle grand, unsolved problems through creative and collaborative solutions.

Currently, Weiss holds the UC Presidential Chair at UCLA and serves as a distinguished professor in chemistry and biochemistry, bioengineering, and materials science and engineering. Prior to UCLA, he was a distinguished professor of chemistry and physics at Pennsylvania State University, where he launched his academic career. He has also served as the director of the California NanoSystems Institute and held the Fred Kavli Chair in NanoSystems Sciences at UCLA.

Weiss is active in multiple startup ventures spanning biotechnology, food security, energy, entertainment, and healthcare. He was the founding editor-in-chief of ACS Nano (2007–2021). His many accolades include the IEEE Nanotechnology Pioneer Award, the Sigma Xi William Procter Prize for Scientific Achievement, and election as a fellow of numerous prestigious organizations, including the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, American Chemical Society, American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering, Canadian Academy of Engineering, Materials Research Society, IEEE, and the National Academy of Inventors.

Source: http://chemistry.ucla.edu/news/faculty-in-the-news-paul-s-weiss/