Craig Hawker

Craig Hawker is a Distinguished Professor at the University of California Santa Barbara with joint appointments in the Materials Department and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. He serves as Co-Director of the Materials Research Laboratory, Director of the Dow Materials Institute, and Director of the California Nanosystems Institute. His leadership spans interdisciplinary materials research initiatives focused on nanotechnology and advanced polymer systems.

Education:

• Post-doctoral Research Associate at Cornell University (Supervisor: Professor J.M.J. Fréchet)
• Ph.D. in Chemistry from University of Cambridge (Thesis: Biosynthesis of Vitamin B₁₂ - Model Studies on the Spiro Intermediate)
• B.Sc. (First Class Honors) from University of Queensland

Hawker's research integrates synthetic polymer chemistry with nanotechnology to develop advanced materials for microelectronics, biotechnology, energy, and medical applications. His work focuses on novel polymerization strategies, nanostructured materials design, and surface engineering techniques. Key innovations include controlled radical polymerization methods, 3D printing of functional hydrogels, and machine learning approaches for block copolymer characterization.

His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on advanced polymer systems, including radical-free 3D bioprinting, smart hydrogels, and high-throughput materials discovery. Earlier foundational work established breakthrough techniques in controlled polymerization, surface modification, and click chemistry that continue to influence materials science.

He directs the Hawker Group, an interdisciplinary research team exploring polymer synthesis, nanotechnology, and materials engineering. The group's work bridges fundamental chemistry with applied research in biomaterials and energy systems. Hawker also leads major institutional initiatives through the California Nanosystems Institute and Dow Materials Institute, fostering collaborative research across academia and industry.