Geoffrey W. Coates

Developed catalytic routes to a wide range of sustainable polymers from renewable substances, such as carbon dioxide, lactic acid, and carbon monoxide. Advanced polymers for energy conversion and storage; conducted mechanistic studies of catalytic small molecule activation; devised new routes to sequenced polyolefins and polyesters. Research is interdisciplinary, requiring expertise in organic, inorganic, and polymer chemistry, and has both technological and societal import. Associate editor of Macromolecules; cofounder of Novomer and Ecolectro.