Japanese emperor honors KU chemist

In the presence of the emperor and empress of Japan, Daryle Busch, distinguished professor of chemistry, was among six scientists inducted as honorary members of the Chemical Society of Japan in Tokyo.

The award places Busch is more than just royal company: Four of the six inductees have received the Nobel Prize for chemistry.

Busch, president of the American Chemical Society in 2000, is being recognized for a career of innovative leadership, research and teaching. His most recent research focuses on the emerging field of environment-friendly "green chemistry."

Although Busch is reluctant to admit it, the relationship he has maintained with Japan over the years has played a significant role in helping that nation remain competitive in the field of chemistry.

"I've had a number of people from Japan come to my labs and study with me, so I've had a little bit of impact on their science," he said.

Thirty years ago, Kristin Bowman-James, professor of chemistry at KU, had just completed her doctoral research in Israel when she went to work for Busch, who was a faculty member at Ohio State University at the time. Their paths crossed again years later at KU. Bowman-James said Busch's research has continued to lead the field through the years.

"Daryle helped raise the level of research at KU just by his being here," she said. "He's just incredible with team building and getting people enthusiastic about research."

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