Dear Colleagues,

I am saddened to share that Professor Emeritus C. Bradley (Brad) Moore—trailblazing physical chemist and former Director of the Chemical Sciences Division at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory—has passed away peacefully at the age of 85.

Brad joined Berkeley’s Department of Chemistry in 1963 after earning his Ph.D. under George Pimentel in the same year. He was one of the first chemists to use lasers in the 1960’s. Over the decades, he became a pioneering figure in molecular energy transfer, reaction kinetics, and photochemistry, laying the groundwork for models that help explain atmospheric chemistry, combustion, and industrial processes.

From 1998 to 2000, Brad led LBNL’s Chemical Sciences Division with vision and rigor. He championed interdisciplinary collaboration, strengthened the Division’s scientific mission, and mentored emerging researchers. His leadership helped position the Division as a national leader in fundamental chemical research.

Brad also served as Chair of UC Berkeley’s Chemistry Department and Dean of the College of Chemistry, and later held senior research leadership roles at The Ohio State and Northwestern. His many honors include the E.O. Lawrence Memorial Award and the Plyler Prize for molecular spectroscopy and dynamics. He was a Member of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Brad is survived by his wife Penelope, daughter Megan, and son Scott. His legacy at LBNL and beyond continues to inspire.

Please join me in remembering and honoring our esteemed colleague.

Polly

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Polly L Arnold OBE FRS MAE FRSE FRSC DPhil
Director, Chemical Sciences Division,  Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Professor, College of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley