Catalyst

Welcome to our first issue of Catalyst magazine.

In this publication, we present news from the College of Science at the University of Notre Dame, along with reflections on our recent accomplishments and a vision for our future.

Our faculty have made meaningful contributions to their respective fields, and several are recognized internationally for their work. However, we acknowledge that there is room for growth — particularly in fostering deeper engagement on a global scale. In this issue of Catalyst, we focus on expanding our global visibility, sharing important stories that highlight the research of our faculty, students, and postdoctoral fellows. Our cover story introduces some of our researchers, whose efforts are already influencing their fields in significant ways. Additionally, we spotlight our rare disease research, including our new Patient Advocacy Initiative, which supports the nation’s first minor in patient advocacy.

The University of Notre Dame ranks 18th in the U.S. News & World Report among the top U.S. universities, particularly excelling in undergraduate education. However, we recognize that our international rankings leave room for improvement. Strengthening our global presence is not just about working in selected sites abroad. True international recognition requires that our faculty contribute in ways that fundamentally transform their fields — shaping how science is taught in textbooks and influencing the future of research. It is these exceptional contributions that will elevate both our faculty and the University to a place of true global prominence.

The name Catalyst reflects our ambition. A catalyst is a substance which, when present in small amounts, accelerates the rate of a chemical reaction or process without itself being changed. A catalyst is also an event or person that causes great change. At Notre Dame, our core values of ethical responsibility and Catholic social impact will always remain at the heart of our mission. However, it is our strategic initiatives — acting as catalysts — that will enhance the level of scientific inquiry, improve our global visibility, and foster new international collaboration, all driven by transformative research.

Santiago Schnell, D.Phil.
William K. Warren Foundation Dean of the College of Science