Thuc-Quyen Nguyen, a professor of chemistry and biochemistry at UC Santa Barbara, has received the Humboldt Research Award from Germany's Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. The award is presented in recognition of her groundbreaking achievements in science research. Nguyen is internationally known for developing a solution-processable small molecule used in organic solar cells' plasticlike photovoltaics that produce electricity from sunlight.

The Humboldt Research Award is granted to senior scientists whose fundamental discoveries, new theories or insights have had a significant impact on their own discipline and who are expected to continue producing cutting-edge achievements in the future. Each winner receives a stipend of 60,000 Euros (approximately $67,000).