Honoring and commending University of Pennsylvania Professor Alan G. MacDiarmid on the occasion of his winning the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

WHEREAS, Alan G. MacDiarmid, the Blanchard Professor of Chemistry at the University of Pennsylvania, has dedicated his life to improving humanity through his pioneering work in the field of science; and

WHEREAS, In his 43 years at Penn, this son of New Zealand and current Drexel Hill resident has shared both his devotion to expanding the scientific universe of possibilities and his genius with the fortunate University of Pennsylvania community and the world; and

WHEREAS, Professor MacDiarmid's curiosity, inspired by a student's mistake, led to the investigation and improvement of a breakthrough plastic material that was astounding for its metal-like conductive properties; and

WHEREAS, Professor MacDiarmid's work with physicists Hideki Shirakawa and Alan Heeger led to the discovery of the “brilliant plastics” that laid the foundation for the breakthrough technologies of the 21st Century; and

WHEREAS, Professor MacDiarmid continues to mentor future scientists while he works on conductive polymers, a product for which he holds 30 patents and which will continue to improve our daily lives by expanding the application of this plastic in medicine, transportation and commerce; and

WHEREAS, The grace and energy with which Alan G. MacDiarmid has fostered, many humanitarian and technological advances will benefit the generations to come; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor and commend the career and achievements of Nobel Prize winner, Professor Alan G. MacDiarmid.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Professor Alan G. MacDiarmid as evidence of the sincere admiration of this legislative body.

End