Professor Jeffrey Moore is the Royal Society of Chemistry Stephanie L. Kwolek Award winner for 2018. He was born and raised in Joliet, IL.

Professor Moore’s research group integrates ideas from physical organic chemistry and engineering with molecular design and polymer synthesis to construct new functional materials. They have created materials that heal themselves, warn of high stress, or repair electrical circuits. They have demonstrated plastics that not only heal after damage, but regenerate via reactive fluids pumping through vascular channels within the material, similar to blood in a circulatory system.

The Stephanie L Kwolek Award – named after the inventor of Kevlar – recognises exceptional contributions to the area of materials chemistry from a scientist working outside the UK. Professor Moore receives £2000 and a medal, and will complete a UK lecture tour.

On winning the award, he said: “In the early 1990s we researched high-strength aramid fibers. Since then, Stephanie Kwolek has been one of my heroes of science. Receiving this award is humbling as well as a tremendous honor, made possible by the scientific achievements of students and postdocs in the group, as well as the colleagues with whom we have collaborated.”

Dr Robert Parker, chief executive of the Royal Society of Chemistry said:

“The chemical sciences are vital for the wellbeing of our world and chemical scientists help to change people’s lives for the better. That’s why we’re so proud to celebrate the innovation and expertise of our community through our Prizes and Awards.

“This year’s inspiring and influential winners come from a range of specialisms, backgrounds, countries and communities. Each has done their bit to advance excellence in the chemical sciences – to improve the lives of people around the world now and in the future.”

Our winners are recognised for the originality and impact of their research, or for their contributions to the chemical sciences industry or chemistry education. The Awards also acknowledge the importance of teamwork across the chemical sciences, and the abilities of individuals to develop successful collaborations.

An illustrious list of 50 previous winners of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Awards have gone on to win Nobel Prizes for their pioneering work, including 2016 Nobel laureates Jean-Pierre Sauvage, Fraser Stoddart and Ben Feringa.

ROYAL SOCIETY OF CHEMISTRY RELEASE