Jessica R. Lamb is an Assistant Professor and McKnight Land-Grant Professor at the University of Minnesota, Department of Chemistry. Her research spans catalysis, physical organic chemistry, and polymer chemistry. Developing switchable N-heterocyclic carbene organocatalysts Designing sustainable non-isocyanate polyurethanes for high-temperature applications Combining polymerization mechanisms for novel materials The Lamb group emphasizes interdisciplinary training and mechanistic investigations, with a focus on sustainable synthesis. Recent publications highlight structure-property relationships in polymers and NHC-CDI adducts. Dr. Lamb is recognized for her contributions via the McKnight Land-Grant Professorship. Her lab receives funding from NSF, ACS PRF, and 3M NTFA, among others. The Lamb Research Group actively mentors graduate students and prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM. They are currently accepting new graduate research students.
Tomasz Majka serves as a Lecturer at the Department of Polymer Chemistry and Technology within the Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology at Tadeusz Kościuszko Cracow University of Technology. His academic career spans over a decade with continuous research and teaching activities focused on polymer engineering and materials science. His educational background includes a Licentiate in Applied Chemistry (2008) and Pedagogical Preparation (2008) from State Higher Vocational School in Tarnów, followed by MSc in Plastics Technology (2010) and Dr. Eng. in Technical Sciences (2015) from Tadeusz Kościuszko Cracow University of Technology. Majka's research primarily centers on polymer processing technologies , with special emphasis on thermal analysis and flammability of polymer materials , nanocomposite development , and terminal ballistics . His work bridges fundamental polymer science with practical industrial applications, particularly in developing sustainable flame retardant systems using biobased materials like lignosulfonamides. Recent publications reveal a strong focus on circular economy approaches through polymer recycling and biodegradable material development. His scientific contributions demonstrate consistent output in high-impact journals, with a notable shift toward sustainable polymer solutions since 2020, particularly in biodegradable composites and recycling technologies. The 15 most recent publications show expertise spanning flame retardancy mechanisms, nanocomposite engineering, and sustainable polymer processing. III place at International Session of WIiTCh Krakow University of Technology Science Clubs (2010) Award in 'Sustainable Development - Scientific Debut 2010' competition (2010) Award in 'Poster about famous scientist - Norio Taniguchi' competition (2011) II Prize in B-Innovative 'Be Entrepreneurial' business plan competition (2013) Majka actively supervises the Ballistic and Flammability Research Section within WIiTCH PK Chemistry Research Club and maintains strong industry connections through numerous industrial research projects. His professional engagements include international research stays at University of Bolton (UK) and Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, focusing on fire testing and polymer materials innovation. He serves as a scientific advisor for several industrial projects related to polymer processing and material safety. His laboratory work spans multiple specialized facilities including thermal analysis equipment, scanning electron microscopy, and polymer processing machinery. Current research directions include developing halogen-free flame retardants from lignin derivatives, optimizing biodegradable polymer composites, and advancing recycling technologies for post-consumer plastics.
Dr. Mark D. Soucek is a Professor and Interim Director at the University of Akron 's School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering . With over 140 publications, his work focuses on developing environmentally benign coatings, including UV-curable systems, nanotechnology-enabled smart coatings, and inorganic/organic hybrid materials. He previously served as President of the Cleveland Coating Society (2009) and has held academic positions at NASA-Langley (1990-1993), North Dakota State University (1993-2001), and currently at the University of Akron since 2001. Education : Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry (University of Texas, Austin, 1990) M.S. in Organic Chemistry (Illinois State University, 1986) B.S. in Chemistry (Eastern Illinois University, 1983) His research emphasizes crosslinked coating systems such as autoxidatively crosslinked , high solids , crosslinkable latexes , and UV-curable thermosets . Using Photo-DSC , Real-time IR , and DMTA , his group analyzes in situ crosslinking reactions to correlate molecular structure with coating properties like fracture toughness , abrasion resistance , and corrosion protection . Recent projects include creating a UV-Curable Powder Coatings Research Center to bridge industrial and academic collaborations. Dr. Soucek's publications span topics like smart ceramer coatings , seed oil-based reactive diluents , and hydrolytic stability of polyesters . His work has received multiple citations in areas such as environmental degradation and tire wear particle analysis . He has secured grants from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center in Coatings .
Christopher M. Kozak is a Professor of Chemistry at Memorial University, leading the Green Chemistry and Catalysis Group. His research develops sustainable catalytic processes for polymer synthesis and CO2 utilization. Research Focus: Designs earth-abundant metal catalysts (Cr, Zr, Fe) for ring-opening polymerizations, converting CO2/epoxides to polycarbonates and biomass to non-isocyanate polyurethanes. Emphasizes renewable feedstocks and waste valorization. Recent Publications: Highlights include zirconium-catalyzed copolymerization kinetics, chromium-mediated polycarbonate synthesis, and microwave-enhanced iron-catalyzed cross-couplings. Work bridges fundamental organometallic chemistry and green applications.
Timothy E. Long is a Professor at Arizona State University (ASU), holding joint appointments in the School of Molecular Sciences and the School for Engineering of Matter, Transport, and Energy . He serves as Director of the Biodesign Center for Sustainable Macromolecular Materials and Manufacturing . Long earned a B.S. in Chemistry from St. Bonaventure University (1983) and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Virginia Tech (1987). His research focuses on sustainable polymer design, additive manufacturing (3D printing), and green chemistry principles. Key interests include developing degradable polymers, functional materials for advanced technologies, and integrating 3D printing with polymerization processes. He emphasizes circular economy principles, aiming to reduce environmental impact through recyclable and biodegradable materials. Long’s publications span over 200 peer-reviewed articles, with recent work addressing photopolymerization of latexes, non-isocyanate polyurethanes, and electroresponsive hydrogels. His group collaborates across disciplines, including chemical engineering, materials science, and biochemistry, promoting diversity in thought and innovation. He leads initiatives in ASU’s Biodesign Institute and teaches advanced courses in polymer science and sustainable materials. His research group actively engages in conferences and industry partnerships to translate fundamental research into practical applications.
Raquel Verdejo is a Research Scientist at the Institute of Polymer Science and Technology (ICTP-CSIC) in Spain. She holds a PhD in Metallurgy and Materials from the University of Birmingham (UK) and an MSc in Physics from the University of Valladolid (Spain). Her academic career includes postdoctoral work at Imperial College London under Prof. Milo Shaffer before joining CSIC in 2006 via Juan de la Cierva and Ramón y Cajal contracts. Current Affiliation: ICTP-CSIC, Madrid, Spain Education: University of Valladolid (MSc Physics) , University of Birmingham (PhD Metallurgy and Materials) Raquel’s research focuses on polymer composites, nanocomposites, and foams, including: Smart Polymers for dielectric elastomer actuators Sustainable Processing of self-healing and recyclable materials Advanced Applications in radiation shielding and soft robotics Her work spans over 100 publications in Q1 journals like Advanced Materials and Chemical Communications , with recent emphasis on circular economy and bio-based systems. Scientific Recognition : Juan de la Cierva and Ramón y Cajal contracts Raquel also serves as Academic Director of the Official High Master's Degree in Plastics and Rubber (UIMP-CSIC) and Academic Coordinator of the Doctoral Program in Science and Technology (UIMP). Her patents include conductive rigid foams and liquid crystal-based actuators.
Luc Avérous is a University Professor at the School of Chemistry, Physics, and Materials (ECPM) at the University of Strasbourg, France, where he teaches bioplastics, composites, and polymer processing. He is a leading researcher at ICPEES (Institute of Chemistry and Processes for Energy, the Environment and Health), heading the BioTeam research group and directing the Mutaxio joint laboratory with the Soprema group. His research spans biopolymers, sustainable macromolecular architectures from renewable resources, and biomaterials for environmental and biomedical applications. Key interests include biodegradable polyesters, vitrimers, enzymatic catalysis, bio-recycling, tissue engineering, and 3D/4D printing. His work emphasizes a cradle-to-cradle approach, integrating green chemistry and circular economy principles. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in biosourced materials, particularly from lignin, tannins, fatty acids, and sugars. Research focuses on developing sustainable alternatives to conventional polymers, including non-isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPU), polyamides (PA), and polyisocyanurates (PIR), with applications in foams, membranes, and biomedical devices. There is a clear emphasis on enzymatic processes, degradation mechanisms, and life cycle sustainability. TOP 1% of scientists in the world Luc Avérous has supervised numerous PhD and postdoctoral researchers through his BioTeam and Mutaxio lab. He has secured funding from major national (ANR, BpiFrance, PIA) and international (H2020, EU-China, AUF) programs. He collaborates extensively with industry (Soprema, Tereos, Stellantis, Veolia) and academic partners worldwide (Australia, Canada, Latin America, EU). He serves on research advisory boards, editorial boards of scientific journals, and international grant juries (ERC, Horizon, FWO). He leads the BioTeam at ICPEES and the Mutaxio joint laboratory with Soprema, focusing on translational research in sustainable polymers. These labs integrate expertise in synthesis, formulation, characterization, and processing of advanced bio-based materials for industrial and biomedical applications.
Dr. hab. Konstantinos Raftopoulos is a full Professor at the Tadeusz Kościuszko Cracow University of Technology , serving within the Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology and the Department of Polymer Chemistry and Technology . He earned his Bachelor's degree in Physics from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (2003), followed by a Master's in Energy Production and Management from the National Technical University of Athens (2005). He completed his PhD in Physics there in 2011 and obtained his habilitation in Physical Sciences from Jagiellonian University in 2024. His research interests center on molecular mobility , particularly the glass transition in polymers, polymer-water interactions , stimuli-responsive polymers , thermal analysis , and polyurethane physics . He has extensively studied non-isocyanate polyhydroxyurethanes (NIPUs) and their hybrids with polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) , exploring structure–property relationships and environmental sustainability. His recent publications (2023–2025) demonstrate a strong focus on sustainable polymer synthesis , nanocomposite design , and advanced thermal characterization . Themes include catalyst-free synthesis of structurally ordered NIPUs, crystallinity control in polyurethanes, and the influence of POSS on thermal and mechanical behavior. These works contribute significantly to green chemistry and high-performance biomaterials. Teaching activities include courses on English Chemical Terminology , Elements of Physical Chemistry of Polymers , and Materials Science and Technology , delivered in English to support international education. While no specific awards or student advisement lists are provided in the text, his extensive publication record and professorial role indicate active mentorship and scholarly leadership in polymer science.
Professor Adam Harvey is a distinguished academic in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Newcastle University's School of Engineering. With a prolific publication record spanning over two decades and extending to 2026, his research has significantly advanced the fields of chemical engineering, process intensification, and sustainable energy technologies. His work demonstrates exceptional innovation in reactor design and optimization for diverse chemical processes. Professor Harvey's research expertise centers on process intensification, with pioneering contributions to oscillatory baffled reactors (OBRs) and their applications across multiple domains. His work has revolutionized the use of OBRs for biodiesel production from various feedstocks, microalgae cultivation systems, and numerous chemical transformations. He has also made substantial contributions to non-thermal plasma technologies for environmental applications, particularly in pollutant removal and biomass conversion. His research effectively bridges fundamental chemical engineering principles with practical industrial applications, emphasizing sustainability and efficiency. Analysis of Professor Harvey's recent publications reveals a strategic evolution toward sustainable chemical processes and bio-based product development. His work increasingly focuses on CO 2 utilization pathways, waste biomass conversion technologies, and green chemical processes that minimize environmental impact. The integration of advanced reactor design with renewable feedstocks represents a defining theme in his current research portfolio, demonstrating his commitment to developing environmentally sustainable solutions for the chemical industry. Throughout his distinguished career, Professor Harvey has mentored numerous researchers and established extensive collaborations with both academic institutions and industry partners. His research group operates state-of-the-art facilities for reactor design, process optimization, and biofuel production. The group maintains strong industry connections, facilitating the translation of fundamental research into practical applications that address real-world challenges in energy and environmental sustainability.
Miguel Angel Lopez Manchado is a Research Professor at the Institute of Polymer Science and Technology, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, Spain. His work focuses on advanced composite materials, particularly self-healing elastomers and sustainable polymer design. PhD : Chemistry Sciences, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (1997) Postdoctoral : University of Perugia (1998-2000) CSIC Affiliation : Ramon y Cajal Contract (2002), Tenured Researcher (2006), Research Scientist (2011), Research Professor (2016) His research centers on composite materials , self-healing polymers , and elastomer sustainability , with a focus on structure-property relationships and recycling. Recent articles highlight innovations in physically unclonable labels , bio-based vitrimers , and gamma radiation shielding composites . Scientific achievements include the IX Talgo Award for Technological Innovations (2009) and patents on: Thermoset Conductive Foams Electrochemically Active Nanoparticulated Polymers Physically Unclonable Labels He pioneers self-healing composites for automotive and packaging applications, with expertise in polymer synthesis, nanocomposite characterization, and circular economy strategies.
Nathan Wybo is a PhD researcher affiliated with the University of Strasbourg , specifically within the Polymer Engineering Department at ICPEES (Institute of Chemistry and Processes for Energy, Environment and Health). His research focuses on the development of sustainable alternatives to conventional polyurethanes through green chemistry methodologies. Research Objectives : Design and characterize lignin-based non-isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPUs) using renewable feedstocks. Replace toxic isocyanates in polyurethane synthesis with eco-friendly processes. Explore chemical modifications of lignin via green chemistry principles. Investigate physical and chemical recyclability of new materials. Awards : Johan Gullichsen Award 2024 for best student presentation at NWBC2024 Publications : 2024: Synthesis of lignin-derived aromatic building blocks for polyurethane production (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed.). Thesis Defense : Date: September 25, 2025 Venue: Lambla lecture hall Title: "Development of new bio-sourced polyurethanes without isocyanates from lignins: from synthesis to application"
Dr. Jan Ozimek is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Chemistry and Technology of Polymers , Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology , Cracow University of Technology . He holds a PhD in Engineering (2022) and completed his MSc (2013) and BSc (2011) in Polymer Technology at the same institution. His research focuses on non-isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPUs) , POSS-based hybrid materials , and polymer crystallization dynamics . Education: PhD in Chemical Engineering (2022), MSc in Polymer Technology (2013), BSc in Polymer Technology (2011) Teaching: Leads courses on Innovative Methods in Polymer Chemistry and Material Characterization (NMR, FTIR, MS) His recent work explores microwave-assisted synthesis of cyclic carbonates , thermomechanical response of POSS-polyurethane hybrids , and crystalization behavior of polyether segments . Publications emphasize sustainable polymer design and advanced material characterization techniques. He gained research experience through a 2010-2011 Erasmus+ exchange at Fachhochschule Muenster (Germany) and internships at Zakłady Azotowe Tarnów S.A. (2011-2012). Technical collaborations include laboratory work on denture resins and industrial polymer analysis .
Timothy E. Long is a Professor at Arizona State University (ASU), affiliated with the School of Molecular Sciences and the School for Engineering of Matter, Transport, and Energy. He also serves as the Director of the Biodesign Center for Sustainable Macromolecular Materials and Manufacturing. His research focuses on sustainable polymer design, additive manufacturing (3D printing), and green chemistry principles to create recyclable materials. Long holds a B.S. in Chemistry from St. Bonaventure University (1983) and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Virginia Tech (1987). His work emphasizes circular polymer economies, integrating novel macromolecular structures with advanced manufacturing techniques. Key areas include degradable polymers, stimuli-responsive materials, and solvent-free polymerization processes. The research group collaborates across disciplines, including chemical engineering, materials science, and biochemistry, to address environmental challenges through sustainable material innovation. Publications highlight advancements in vat photopolymerization, recyclable photoresins, and biodegradable hydrogels. Long’s contributions span over 200 peer-reviewed articles and patents, with a focus on translating fundamental polymer science into practical applications. His teaching includes courses in research methods and special topics in chemistry and materials science.
Dr. Qixin Zhou is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical, Biomolecular, and Corrosion Engineering at the University of Akron's College of Engineering and Polymer Science. She specializes in coating development and corrosion protection, with a focus on advanced materials for pipeline integrity and sustainable polymer systems. Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, North Dakota State University (2014) M.S. in Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science & Technology (2009) B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Hefei University of Technology (2006) Her research spans corrosion protection technologies, including AC-induced corrosion modeling, bio-based non-isocyanate polyurethanes, mechanochemical fluorescence for damage detection, and waterborne hybrid coatings. Recent work explores perovskite solar cell surface engineering and NIR-reflective pigment applications. Dr. Zhou contributes to coating formulation for industrial applications, with expertise in electrochemical techniques, self-healing materials, and fluid-flow accelerated degradation analysis. She serves on the International Research Committee of NACE and SSPC.
Dr. Sylwia Dworakowska serves as a Lecturer at the Department of Biotechnology and Physical Chemistry within the Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology at Tadeusz Kościuszko Cracow University of Technology in Kraków, Poland. Her research focuses on sustainable polymer chemistry and green synthesis methodologies for industrial applications. Her academic credentials include: MSc Eng. in Plastics Technology (2010) Dr. Eng. in Chemistry (2016) Dworakowska specializes in photoredox catalysis, atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), and valorization of renewable resources like plant oils for polyurethane foams and epoxy materials. Her work bridges fundamental photochemistry with practical solutions for plastic waste reduction and sustainable material production, emphasizing catalyst design and process optimization for environmental impact minimization. Analysis of her 2014-2025 publications reveals consistent innovation in green polymerization techniques, particularly nitroarene-mediated polymer degradation and photoredox-controlled ATRP. Her research demonstrates strong interdisciplinary integration of biotechnology, physical chemistry, and materials engineering to develop circular economy solutions for polymer industries. No scientific awards are documented in available sources. As an academic advisor, she supervises graduate research in sustainable polymer chemistry though specific student names are unlisted. Her work is supported by grants targeting renewable material development, evidenced by publication themes spanning biodiesel production, biobased foams, and catalytic epoxidation processes. She actively contributes to polymer research teams focused on microwave-assisted synthesis, nanoparticle characterization, and functional network formation within the university's chemical engineering infrastructure.
