Craig Hawker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Craig Hawker
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| Born | 11 January 1964 |
| Citizenship | Australian and american |
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| Academic career | |
| Fields | Polymer science  |
| Institutions | Materials Research Laboratory, University of California, Santa Barbara |
Craig Jon Hawker is a famous chemist from Australia, born on January 11, 1964. He studies how organic chemistry and polymer chemistry work together. His work focuses on creating new materials with specific structures. These materials are used in areas like biotechnology (using living things to make products), microelectronics (tiny electronic parts), and surface science (studying how surfaces behave).
Craig Hawker has invented many things, holding over 45 patents in the U.S. He has also written more than 300 scientific papers. These papers cover topics like nanotechnology (working with super tiny materials), materials science (studying materials), and chemistry. He was recognized as one of the top 100 most-cited chemists in the world for two different periods: 1992–2002 and 2000–2010.
In 2021, Craig Hawker became a member of the National Academy of Engineering. This was for his important work in polymer chemistry. He helped advance how we design molecules. He is currently the director of the California Nanosystems Institute. He also leads other laboratories at the University of California, Santa Barbara. In 2022, he was also elected a member of the National Academy of Sciences.
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Craig Hawker's Education Journey
Craig Hawker grew up in Queensland, Australia, where he went to high school. He became interested in chemistry because he enjoyed making things with his hands. He felt chemistry was a very "hands-on" science. He studied chemistry at the University of Queensland.
After that, he moved to Cambridge University in England for his advanced studies. There, he earned his PhD in bio-organic chemistry. In 1988, he moved to the United States to continue his research at Cornell University.
Craig Hawker's Research Work
In 1990, Craig Hawker returned to Queensland. He worked as a research fellow at the University of Queensland. Later, in 2004, he joined the IBM Almaden Research Center in California.
Today, he leads the California NanoSystems Institute. He also co-directs the Materials Research Laboratory. He is a special professor of Interdisciplinary Science at the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Impact of Craig Hawker's Discoveries
In 2012, Craig Hawker received the Centenary Prize from the Royal Society of Chemistry. This award recognized his new ways of designing polymers. His ideas have greatly influenced how scientists study and create polymers.
In 2013, Craig Hawker and a colleague invented Olaplex. This is a very successful product that helps repair hair bonds. It makes hair stronger and reduces breakage. In 2018, Olaplex won a legal case against L'Oréal regarding their patent.
In 2015, he was named a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. This honor was for "revolutionizing materials research." He developed powerful ways to create and design new materials. His work has inspired scientists in many different fields. He also helps edit important chemistry journals.
In 2017, Craig Hawker was called "one of the top materials scientists in the world." In 2018, he and his team created a new 3D-printing method. This method can make objects that are both stiff and flexible at the same time. This could help create structures inspired by nature. These structures could have different mechanical and chemical properties. Craig Hawker continues to research tiny, structured materials. He focuses on their use in microelectronics and biotechnology.
Awards and Honors
Craig Hawker has received many awards for his important contributions to science:
- 2023: Honorary doctorate from Eindhoven University of Technology
- 2021: Member of the National Academy of Engineering
- 2017: Charles G. Overberger International Prize for Excellence in Polymer Research
- 2016: Belgian Polymer Award
- 2016: Member of the National Academy of Inventors
- 2015: Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
- 2013: ACS Award in Polymer Chemistry from the American Chemical Society
- 2012: Centenary Prize from the Royal Society of Chemistry
- 2011: Arthur C. Cope Scholar from the American Chemical Society
- 2010: Fellow of the Royal Society
- 2010: Fellow of the American Chemical Society
- 2010: Polymer Division Fellow of the American Chemical Society
- 2010: Named in top 100 most cited chemists (2000–2010)
- 2009: PMSE Fellow of the American Chemical Society
- 2008: Inaugural DSM Performance Materials Award from the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry
- 2007: Mark Scholar Award from the American Chemical Society
- 2006: IBM Research Division Award
- 2005: Dutch Polymer Award from the Dutch Chemical Institute
- 2004: Industrial Scientist Award from the American Chemical Society
- 2003: Co-operative Research Award from the American Chemical Society
- 2002: IBM Corporate Technical Recognition Award
- 2000: Young Scientists Award from the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry
- 1999: Patent Invention Award from IBM Corporation
- 1997: Patent Invention Award from IBM Corporation
- 1995: Innovation Award from IBM Corporation
- 1992: Rennie Memorial Medal from the Royal Australian Chemical Institute
- 1992: Research Award from the Australian Research Council
- 1991: Treloar Prize, Polymer Division, Royal Australian Chemical Institute
- 1990: Queen Elizabeth II Research Fellowship from the Australian Research Council
- 1988: Science Fellow from Harkness Fellowships
- 1985: 1851 Research Scholarship from the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851
- 1985: Overseas Research Scheme Award from the Science and Engineering Research Council
- 1985: Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan Award from the British Council
- 1985: Masson Memorial Medal from the Royal Australian Chemical Institute
- 1985: University Medal from the University of Queensland
- 1984: Poole Award from the University of Queensland
- 1984: CSR Chemicals Prize from the University of Queensland
- 1983: Douglas McNaughton Scholarship from the University of Queensland
- 1983: T. G. H. Jones Scholarship from the University of Queensland
- 1982: Edward Taylor Memorial Prize from the University of Queensland
- 1981: Chemistry Prize from the University of Queensland
