Whitesides has made scientific contributions in diverse areas, including nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), microfluidics and nanotechnology. He is particularly well known for his work in materials and surface science. His work in surface chemistry has examined the 'self-assembly' processes of molecules arranging themselves on a surface. This work has become a basis for developments in nanoscience, electronics, pharmaceutical science and medical diagnostics. Some of his research has been visually presented through the collaboration "On the Surface of Things: Images of the Extraordinary in Science" with MIT science photographer Felice Frankel. One image, a pattern of blue and green water droplets created by Frankel, was featured on a 1992 cover of "Science".