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SCI Perkin Medal

The SCI Perkin Medal is recognized as one of the highest honors given for outstanding work in applied chemistry in the United States.

It commemorates the discovery of the first synthetic dye (Perkin mauve) by Sir William Henry Perkin in 1856. This discovery was a significant step forward in organic chemistry that led to the birth of a major segment of the chemical industry.

The Perkin Medal was first awarded to Sir William at a banquet in New York in 1906. The room was festooned with banners dyed a brilliant Perkin mauve, a piece of which is on display in our museum. Today the award is presented as part of Innovation Day, a daylong collaborative research conference cohosted by the Society of Chemical Industry and the Science History Institute.

2024 Medalist: Max McDaniel

Max McDaniel, smiling, beard, wearing suit and tie
Max McDaniel.

Max McDaniel is a senior fellow scientist at Chevron Phillips Chemical, where he has been responsible for significant advances in catalyst technologies for the polymerization and trimerization of ethylene, to produce high performance polyethylene and 1-hexene. In 2024 he was awarded his 500th U.S. patent.

Leading a small group of researchers for 40 years, he invented and commercialized numerous new chromium and metallocene based catalyst technologies which have been adopted by dozens of polyethylene manufacturing plants throughout the world. Notably, he was the first scientist to investigate the ability of chromium catalysts to impart long chain branching (LCB) in polyethylene, and the important role that the catalyst physical structure plays in that process.

McDaniel devised catalysts to simultaneously produce comonomer and copolymer. LCB controls nearly every aspect of polymer processing and molding behavior. His discoveries led to the manipulation and development of many diverse polyethylene grades with both improved properties and processability.

McDaniel received a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Southern Illinois University and received his doctorate in physical chemistry from Northwestern University. After receiving his doctorate, he continued research as a chercheur associé at the Institut de Recherches sur la Catalyse et l’Environnement (IRCELYON) in Lyon, France.

Winners of the SCI Perkin Medal

The SCI Perkin Medal has been presented since 1906, when the very first award went to Sir William Henry Perkin. For a full list of winners visit SCI’s website.

About the Society of Chemical Industry

SCI is a unique multidisciplinary forum where science meets business on independent, impartial ground. SCI provides the opportunity for sharing information among sectors as diverse as food and agriculture, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, environmental science, and safety.

Established in 1881 as the Society of Chemical Industry, SCI is today a registered charity with individual members in over 70 countries. Its headquarters are in London.

Ever since its foundation SCI’s principal objective has been to further the application of chemistry and related sciences for the public benefit, through our events and publication.

Moore Medal

SCI Gordon E. Moore Medal

The SCI Gordon E. Moore Medal recognizes early-career success in innovation, as reflected both in market impact and improvement to quality of life.
Portrait of William Henry Perkin, 1906.

William Henry Perkin

In 1856 Perkin accidentally discovered mauvine—the first commercialized synthetic dye—and introduced a new era in the chemical industry.
conversation near posters on easels

Innovation Day

On Innovation Day emerging industry leaders celebrate today’s innovations in the chemical industry and seek solutions for tomorrow’s challenges.

Gordon E. Moore

Gordon Moore pioneered computing technology and authored a principle that propelled the digital revolution.
immigrant ID card

Oral Histories of Immigration and Innovation

This NHPRC grant-funded project features free and searchable oral history interviews of 70 immigrant scientists.
Lab glassware in green monochrome

T. T. Chao Symposium on Innovation

This event brings together established and emerging leaders in the technical, entrepreneurial, healthcare, and policy arenas to share innovative ideas that impact our world.

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