Boston, MA, February 4, 2026
News Summary
Boston College has appointed Dunwei Wang as the interim Seidner Family Executive Director of the Schiller Institute for Integrated Science and Society. This leadership change emphasizes the university’s commitment to interdisciplinary excellence and addressing global challenges through integrated scientific inquiry. Wang, with two decades of experience at Boston College, will guide the Institute in developing innovative solutions in energy, health, and environmental fields during this transitional period, further solidifying the institution’s role in Massachusetts’ higher education landscape.
Boston, MA — Boston College has announced the appointment of Dunwei Wang, the distinguished Margaret and Thomas Vanderslice Chair of Chemistry, as the interim Seidner Family Executive Director of the Schiller Institute for Integrated Science and Society, effective January 22, 2026. This leadership transition underscores Boston College’s continued commitment to fostering interdisciplinary academic excellence and addressing pressing global challenges through integrated scientific inquiry. Professor Wang, with over two decades of experience at the institution, brings a wealth of research and leadership expertise to this pivotal role.
The Schiller Institute, a centerpiece of Boston College’s strategic investment in the sciences, is designed to cultivate multidisciplinary research and educational programs that tackle critical societal issues in areas such as energy, health, and the environment. This appointment reflects Boston College’s dedication to academic rigor, student growth, and institutional excellence, further solidifying its role within the dynamic Massachusetts higher education landscape. The institute’s work is poised to have a significant community and economic impact by developing innovative solutions and nurturing future leaders prepared for complex global challenges.
A Vision for Integrated Science Leadership
Professor Wang’s interim appointment as the Seidner Family Executive Director positions him to guide the Schiller Institute through its next phase of development. His leadership is focused on ensuring the seamless operation and continued progress of the Institute’s existing centers and programs during this transitional period. This role provides an encompassing perspective on the collective efforts across various departments, fostering a collaborative spirit that is fundamental to the Schiller Institute’s mission.
Dunwei Wang: A Legacy of Innovation in Chemistry
As the Margaret and Thomas Vanderslice Chair of Chemistry, Professor Wang has established a distinguished career at Boston College spanning more than 20 years. His academic journey at the university has been marked by cutting-edge research, engaging instruction, and dedicated mentorship of both undergraduate and graduate students. Professor Wang previously served as the chair of the Chemistry Department for over six years, a tenure characterized by visionary leadership and a collaborative approach.
Professor Wang’s research endeavors are primarily concentrated on developing sustainable platforms for energy conversion and resource use. His work in materials chemistry explores solutions for energy and sustainability, encompassing fields such as solar water oxidation, metal-air batteries, photocatalysis, novel methods for methane transformation, and sustainable polymers. A significant aspect of his research involves artificial photosynthesis, seeking to mimic natural processes for more efficient energy harvesting and storage. He has authored 183 peer-reviewed journal articles, accumulating over 26,000 citations, and holds eight patents for his innovations.
The Schiller Institute: Fostering Interdisciplinary Excellence
The Schiller Institute for Integrated Science and Society was conceived to enhance multidisciplinary and collaborative research approaches. Its core mission involves creating and sustaining initiatives in basic and applied science, generating new knowledge through collaborations across all nine of Boston College’s schools and colleges, and developing novel interdisciplinary strategies to address significant societal issues. The Institute also focuses on deploying new scholarly methods, tools, and technologies, while promoting learning within local and global communities.
Programs and Academic Impact
The Institute is instrumental in developing new interdisciplinary courses in areas such as integrated sciences, human-centered engineering, design thinking, implementation science, data analytics, and global public health. These programs integrate elements of science, engineering, humanities, law, and entrepreneurship through collaborations with various Boston College professional schools and the Shea Center for Entrepreneurship. Notable achievements include the launch of the global public health and the common good minor in 2019 and the global public health major in 2022, developed in conjunction with the Connell School of Nursing. The Institute has also been crucial in establishing the Shea Center for Entrepreneurship and the Center for Earth System Science and Global Sustainability. These initiatives create an interdisciplinary environment where students and faculty from diverse backgrounds converge to address complex issues like climate change.
State-of-the-Art Facilities and Collaboration
The physical embodiment of the Schiller Institute’s mission is its state-of-the-art facility located at 245 Beacon Street. This 157,400 gross square-foot structure is a five-story building dedicated to both teaching and research. Completed in 2021 and opened in January 2022, the facility represents Boston College’s largest single investment in the sciences, costing approximately $150 million. It houses general purpose classrooms, engineering teaching labs, computer science labs, maker spaces, and an Entrepreneurship Center, along with core laboratories strategically placed to maximize collaborative opportunities.
Contributing to the Massachusetts Ecosystem
The appointment of Professor Wang and the ongoing work of the Schiller Institute reinforce Boston College’s position as a leader in Boston MA college news and innovation. By fostering interdisciplinary research and developing new leaders in critical fields, the Institute directly contributes to Massachusetts’s educational and economic ecosystem. The focus on practical, integrated solutions to global problems aligns with the values of personal responsibility and community impact, preparing students not just for careers, but for meaningful contributions to society.
The transition of leadership at the Schiller Institute signifies a continued dedication to advancing knowledge and fostering collaborative inquiry at Boston College. As Professor Wang guides the Institute, its mission to integrate science and society for the common good remains paramount. Readers are encouraged to explore the innovative programs at Boston College and stay informed about the impactful developments within Boston’s vibrant college community.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Interim Executive Director | Professor Dunwei Wang |
| Date of Appointment | January 22, 2026 |
| Location | 245 Beacon Street, Boston College |
| Facility Size | 157,400 GSF |
| Key Focus Areas | Energy, Health, Environment |
| Inaugural Global Public Health Minor | 2019 |
| Global Public Health Major (with Connell School of Nursing) | 2022 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new interim director of the Schiller Institute at Boston College?
Professor Dunwei Wang has been named the interim Seidner Family Executive Director of the Schiller Institute for Integrated Science and Society at Boston College.
When was Professor Dunwei Wang appointed to this interim role?
Professor Dunwei Wang was appointed interim director on January 22, 2026.
What is Professor Dunwei Wang’s academic background and research focus?
Professor Wang is the Margaret and Thomas Vanderslice Chair of Chemistry and has over 20 years of experience at Boston College. His research focuses on sustainable platforms for energy conversion and resource use, including materials chemistry related to energy and sustainability, solar water oxidation, and artificial photosynthesis.
What is the primary mission of the Schiller Institute for Integrated Science and Society?
The primary mission of the Schiller Institute is to create multidisciplinary, collaborative research processes to address critical societal issues in energy, health, and the environment, and to educate the next generation of science and technology leaders.
What programs has the Schiller Institute helped establish?
The Schiller Institute has helped launch the global public health and the common good minor in 2019, the global public health major in 2022, and established the Shea Center for Entrepreneurship and the Center for Earth System Science and Global Sustainability.
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Boston College Appoints Interim Leader for Schiller Institute
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