The 2008 award was granted to Craig J. Hawker, Professor of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Materials and Director of the Materials Research Laboratory at the University of California, Santa Barbara, USA, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the advancement of the materials sciences. Professor Hawker is one of the world’s leading scientists in the field of polymeric performance materials. His outstanding fundamental and applied research and his dedication to innovative science have earned him a high reputation and a large following in the academic world.
An international judging committee, chaired by Professor Joseph Put, Chief Technology Officer of DSM, selected Professor Hawker from among several candidates shortlisted by an international nomination committee. Professor Hawker received the award – which carries a cash prize of EUR 50,000 – from Professor Put at the IUPAC Macro 2008 Congress in Taipei (Taiwan) on June 30.
