Kari Rissanen

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About

Kari Rissanen is a pioneering figure in supramolecular chemistry, best known for his groundbreaking work on non-covalent interactions, particularly chalcogen bonding and halogen bonding. His research has fundamentally advanced the design of smart materials, including liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) that exhibit shape memory and reversible actuation. In his most cited recent work, Rissanen demonstrated how strong selenium–nitrogen chalcogen bonds can be harnessed to create supramolecular actuators—materials that can "remember" and change shape in response to external stimuli. This work, already garnering over 8 citations in its first year, highlights the practical potential of his fundamental discoveries. With a career spanning decades, Rissanen has published extensively on crystal engineering, host–guest systems, and the synthesis of novel macrocycles. His contributions have been recognized internationally, and his research continues to inspire new directions in stimuli-responsive materials and molecular recognition. For students and researchers, Rissanen’s work exemplifies how deep understanding of weak intermolecular forces can lead to transformative technologies.