Prof. Nicholas A. Kotov is currently the Irving Langmuir Distinguished University Professor of Chemical Sciences and Engineering at the University of Michigan. He heads the laboratory and international team of scientists working on practical implementations and theoretical foundations of biomimetic nanostructures. Self-assembly and optical properties of chiral nanoparticles and their superstructures represent a focal point for the continuum of bioinspired nanoscale materials with multidisciplinary significance to physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine. Dr. Kotov is a co-founder of five startups and a passionate advocate for scientists with disabilities. He is known for foundational discoveries in biomimetic nanostructures and interface-based materials engineering that transcend multiple disciplines — from chemical engineering to materials science, soft electronics, energy technologies, drug discovery, biomedical implants, and robotic devices. Examples of biomimetic nanostructures associated with his work include graphite oxide-, graphene-, and clay-based layered biomimetic nanocomposites, chiral nanomaterials, and omni-dispersible colloids.  He has been awarded with many prestigious awards and honours including; Fellow, 2020 National Academy of Inventors, Alpha Chi Sigma Award for Chemical Engineering Research, 2020 by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Vannevar Bush Faculty Fellowship, 2018 by the U.S. Department of Defense, Alexander von Humboldt Research Award, 2017, Van ‘t Hoff Lecture, 2017, UNESCO Medal, 2016, Rexford E. Hall Innovation Excellence Award, 2016, named in Top 25 Materials Scientists in 2000-2010, 2011 by Thomson and Reuters, and many more awards from very early in his career until now.