In Memoriam: Distinguished Professor Emeritus Kenneth G. Caulton

The Indiana University Department of Chemistry joins the broader science community in sharing the news of the passing of Distinguished Professor Emeritus Kenneth G. Caulton on Friday, October 17, 2025.

Prof. Caulton studied at Carleton College (BA '62) and received his doctorate under the guidance of Prof. Richard Fenske at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (PhD '67) prior to completing his training with Prof. F. Albert Cotton at MIT (1967-69). Thereafter, Prof. Caulton spent the entirety of his independent research career spanning over five decades in the Department of Chemistry at Indiana University. In this time, he led a renowned research program centered on inorganic chemistry in work shared through over 400 published papers. His research and career accomplishments were recognized with many accolades including the Indiana University Bicentennial Medal in 2020 and the ACS Award in Organometallic Chemistry in 2014. Considered a genuine colleague and dedicated educator, Prof. Caulton was an exceptional individual who built bridges between faculty research programs, devoted considerable time to faculty mentoring, and continued to maintain strong, impactful connections throughout the department after retirement. The department will share details pertaining to planned memorials or celebration of life events as we receive them.