Quantum chemistry · University of Gdańsk
Piotr Skurski
Professor of Chemistry. Head of the Department of Theoretical Chemistry and of the Laboratory of Quantum Chemistry at the University of Gdańsk; Professor of Chemistry at the Henry Eyring Center for Theoretical Chemistry, University of Utah.
Bio
I am a quantum chemist and university lecturer
I was born in Gdańsk in 1969. I graduated first in my class from the University of Gdańsk in 1993 and received my PhD there in 1997 under the supervision of Prof. Maciej Gutowski. I obtained my habilitation in 2001, and in 2005 the President of the Republic of Poland conferred on me the title of Professor of Chemical Sciences.
My research concerns the electronic structure of molecular anions bound by non-valence interactions. I designed stable dianions held together by dipole, bi-dipole and mixed valence–dipole binding, established the critical conditions for binding two electrons by a finite dipole, modelled Coulomb barriers in multiply charged anions, and proposed mechanisms for DNA damage by low-energy electrons. I also design novel molecular systems: superhalogens, Lewis–Brønsted superacids and strong oxidising agents. I collaborate continuously with Prof. Jack Simons at the University of Utah.
Alongside my research, I teach. On my own channel, I publish lectures and short explanations on linear algebra, quantum mechanics and quantum chemistry for students, doctoral candidates and anyone who wants to understand the formalism of quantum theory at their own pace.
Teaching
Lectures on quantum chemistry
Latest lecture: 14 Oct 2026 · the list updates automatically from the channel. Lectures are in Polish.
Recent work
Recent publications
Falkowski, D., Mikołajczyk, A., Skurski, P., Brzeski, J. & Puzyn, T. Machine learning-driven SSbD strategy for discovering next-generation anodes in solid oxide electrolysis cells. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 228, 154543 (2026).
Mekhael, D., Skurski, P. & Anusiewicz, I. Polynuclear Superhalogen Anions with Heterovalent Central Atoms. Molecules 31, 933 (2026).
Skurski, P. & Anusiewicz, I. Carbonless amino acids and a carbonless GHK peptide. Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics 28, 8675-8691 (2026).
Skurski, P. & Brzeski, J. From Fragile to Firm: Reinforcement of Excess Electron Binding in Dipole-Bound Anions through Sigma-Hole and Hydrogen-Bond Interactions. The Journal of Physical Chemistry A 129, 8395-8406 (2025).