The UMD Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry cordially invites you to the

Tobin J. Marks Lecture in Chemical Discovery

with

Craig J. Hawker
University of California, Santa Barbara

on

"Entrepreneurial Polymer Chemistry: From Fundamental Science to Applications"

Thursday, April 27, 2023
3:30 p.m. Reception (2nd floor concourse)
4 p.m. Lecture (Room 2208)
Edward St. John Learning and Teaching Center

If you have a question about this event, please contact Cheri Meadows at meadows@umd.edu or 301.405.9624

Abstract
Key lessons in navigating the transition from fundamental chemistry and materials research to commercially successful products will be illustrated through recent success stories in pharmaceuticals and personal care products. Efficient click chemistries are used to prepare multifunctional nanoparticles for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease. The extension of this chemistry to commercially successful products in a range of areas will be demonstrated and showcased. In addition, the importance of developing a broad patent portfolio and the power of social media for bypassing traditional competitive roadblocks to market penetration will be highlighted.

About the Speaker
Professor Craig J. Hawker is Clarke Professor and holds the Alan and Ruth Heeger Chair of Interdisciplinary Science at UCSB where he co-directs the California NanoSystems Institute and the Dow Materials Institute. He came to UCSB in 2004 after 11 years as a research staff member at the IBM Almaden Research Center in San Jose, California. Professor Hawker’s work has led to over 600 peer-reviewed papers and 80 patents with Professor Hawker helping to establish a range of start-up companies including Symyx, Intermolecular, Ilypsa, Relypsa and Olaplex. For his pioneering studies, Professor Hawker’s recent honors include the 2021 Kathryn C. Hach Award for Entrepreneurial Success from the American Chemical Society (ACS), the 2017 Charles Overberger International Prize, the 2013 ACS Award in Polymer Chemistry and the 2012 Centenary Prize from the Royal Society of Chemistry. Professor Hawker has been honored with election to the Royal Society as well as being named a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, American Academy of Arts and Sciences, National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Sciences.

About the Lecture
Tobin J. Marks (B.S. '66, chemistry), Northwestern University's Charles E. and Emma H. Morrison Professor of Chemistry, Professor of Materials Science & Engineering, and the Vladimir N. Ipatieff Professor of Catalytic Chemistry, established the Tobin J. Marks Endowed Lectureship in Chemical Discovery at UMD in 2016. The 2017 ACS Priestley Medalist, Marks has distinguished himself as one of the most prolific chemists in the world through his innovative and interdisciplinary research in inorganic, organic and materials chemistry. The lecture is hosted by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences. The inaugural lecture in 2020 featured 2019 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry Stanley Whittingham.