Graham Fleming is a world leader in ultrafast spectroscopy — a technique that uses extremely short duration laser pulses to study molecular processes. He was one of the first to apply this method to study electron transfer in photosynthesis. Graham has since shown that quantum effects underpin the remarkable efficiency of photosynthesis. His goal is to develop artificial photosynthetic devices to harvest solar energy.

Graham’s research group use ultrafast spectroscopy to solve a wide range of problems, and are currently focusing on investigating the quantum electronic properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes. Graham is also leading research to develop the capabilities of the group’s spectroscopic equipment and theoretical analytical tools in order to achieve higher resolutions and obtain greater insight into their findings.

He is widely recognised as an ambassador for science. As Vice Chancellor of Research at the University of California, Berkeley, Graham has fostered many scientific initiatives, including the US$500 million Energy Biosciences Institute. His many awards include election to the prestigious US National Academy of Sciences.