Roald Hoffmann is an American theoretical chemist who was the joint recipient of the 1981 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his theory concerning the course of chemical reactions. He studied the mechanism involved in chemical reactions utilizing quantum mechanisms. Hoffmann was born in Poland and had to experience traumatic experiences at a labour camp as a child during the World War II. However, he along with his mother escaped and subsequently moved to the United States of America after the World War II. He earned good grades and scholarships in school that allowed him to pursue higher education in reputed institutions like the Columbia University and Harvard University. He graduated with a post graduate degree in Physics and PhD in Chemical Physics. His work with Robert B. Woodward at Harvard University led to the development of set of statements now called the Woodward-Hoffmann rules in organic chemistry. Since 1965 he is associated with the Cornell University, currently serving as the Frank H. T. Rhodes Professor of Humane Letters Emeritus. He is also an accomplished playwright and poet whose works have been published in multiple languages. His works have earned him numerous awards including the National Medal of Science and honorary degrees from over 30 universities around the world.