Career
Returning to the National Research Council in 1979, he developed an innovative new program studying organic reaction intermediates using laser techniques. He then joined the University of Ottawa in 1991 as professor of chemistry. Current projects in the Scaiano Research Group include such diverse topics as fluorescent sensors, photolithography, persistent free radicals, and nanoparticles.
He was the first to use two lasers to follow photochemical changes in short-lived intermediates during a reaction which allows scientists to measure photochemical reactions.
The citation reads:
Juan Scaiano is one of Canada"s most eminent chemists. His work has shaped the field of physical organic chemistry over the last 25 years and its impact has extended to the pharmaceutical, microelectronics, and the pulp and paper industries.
A renowned expert in the field of photochemistry, he pioneered the use of lasers to study and measure organic reactions. He also founded a company named Luzchem which builds and sells photochemistry equipment.
