On Mar. 23, 2015, the American Chemical Society awarded the Priestley Medal to Jacqueline K. Barton  “to recognize distinguished services to chemistry,” the Society’s most prestigious award. Barton was recognized for her work on the chemistry of DNA.

Barton’s research group is focused on the recognition and reactions of DNA. Her laboratory has designed transition metal complexes as luminescent and photoactive probes of DNA. She has shown how electrons can be transported through DNA, and how this chemistry may be used for DNA damage and for its repair. This chemistry has been applied in the development of DNA-based electrochemical sensors and explored in the context of long range signaling within the cell.

In addition to taking on scientific challenges and mentoring group members, Barton has contributed to the chemistry enterprise globally as a member of the Dow Chemical Board of Directors, which she joined in 1993.