UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The theme of the 2026 Nelson W. Taylor Lecture in Materials is “Extending materials science into the impossible.” The lecture will be held from 8:15 to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 25, in the HUB-Robeson Center’s Heritage Hall at Penn State University Park.
Darrell Schlom, Tisch University Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Cornell University, will deliver the keynote talk, titled “Realizing ‘impossible’ materials for proof-of-principle devices,” at 10:30 a.m.
Schlom has spent his career advancing the synthesis and design of complex oxide materials, helping establish the scientific foundation for technologies ranging from advanced electronics and sensors to emerging quantum systems. His pioneering work in atomic-scale crystal growth and thin-film engineering has enabled researchers to create materials with precisely tailored properties, opening new avenues for scientific discovery and technological innovation.
“There are those who look at materials the way they are, and — in their attempt to connect atomic structure with properties — ask why?” said Schlom. “In my group we dream of creating atomic structures that never were, and ask why not? Our efforts to make the impossible are often guided by theory and motivated by the desire to make materials enabling devices with great potential.”
In his presentation, Schlom will describe some recent successes. The focus will be on the synthesis routes used to make oxides or stacks of oxides in the form of single-crystal films.
Schlom will present the characteristics of the proof-of-principle devices made by the group’s collaborators. Examples include a non-volatile transistor with a ferroelectric gate dielectric, supercharging the electro-optic coefficient of barium titanate for use in data centers or quantum interconnects and making a semiconductor with the highest bandgap known to enable power electronics with higher figures of merit.
The Taylor Lecture brings distinguished leaders in materials science and engineering to Penn State to share insights into cutting-edge research and emerging opportunities in the field. Schlom's selection as the 2026 keynote speaker reflects both his international reputation as an innovative researcher and his longstanding connection to Penn State.
Before joining Cornell University, Schlom served on the Penn State’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MatSE) faculty, where he established a significant research program in oxide thin films and crystal growth. During his tenure, he collaborated extensively with Penn State researchers and helped strengthen the University's reputation as a global leader in materials research.
Many members of the materials community have benefited directly from Schlom's mentorship and scientific leadership. Distinguished guests will present on their original research activities from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. and include connections to the pioneering leadership of the Schlom group. Speakers include:
- Ichiro Takeuchi, professor and chair of materials science and engineering, University of Maryland
- Karin M. Rabe, Board of Governors Professor of Physics, Rutgers University
- Jon Ihlefeld, Shannon Center for Advanced Studies Mid-Career Fellow and Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Virginia
- Long-Qing Chen, Evan Pugh University Professor and Hamer Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, Penn State
- Susan Trolier-McKinstry, Evan Pugh University Professor and Steward S. Flaschen Professor of Ceramic Science and Engineering, Penn State
- Venkatraman Gopalan, Distinguished Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, Penn State
- Jon-Paul Maria, Dorothy Pate Enright Professorship and Interim Department Head of Materials Science and Engineering, Penn State
Schlom received his bachelor’s degree in engineering and applied science from Caltech, his master’s degree in electrical engineering and his doctorate in materials science and engineering from Stanford. He then worked as a postdoctoral researcher at IBM’s research lab in Zurich, Switzerland. In 1992, he joined the Penn State MatSE faculty where formed key collaborations that are still active. In 2008, he joined the Cornell University faculty.
His work has been recognized by the highest awards for materials discovery including the Materials Research Society Medal, the Frank Prize from the International Organization for Crystal Growth, the McGroddy Prize from the American Physical Society, the Thornton Memorial Award from the American Vacuum Society, the John Bardeen Award from The Minerals, Metals and Materials Society, and the Harris Molecular Beam Epitaxy Scientific Discovery Award from North American MBE. He is a fellow of the American Physical Society, the Materials Research Society andthe American Vacuum Society. Heis also a member of the National Academy of Engineering and the National Academy of Sciences.
About the Nelson W. Taylor Lecture Series in Materials Science and Engineering
The Nelson W. Taylor Lecture Series in Materials Science and Engineering honors the memory of Nelson W. Taylor who was head of Penn State's Department of Ceramics from 1933 to 1943. During his tenure as department head, Taylor refined the ceramics undergraduate curriculum, strengthened the graduate program, expanded ties with industry and was able to attract important scientists to the faculty. He is recognized as the individual most responsible for establishing the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences as a major center for ceramics research. The Nelson W. Taylor Lecture Series was established in 1969 and has consistently attracted scientists of international prominence.