Alan J. Heeger

Explore the timeline of Alan J. Heeger, an eminent physicist and chemist known for his groundbreaking work in the field of conductive polymers. Follow the journey from his early life, academic career, key scientific discoveries, to receiving the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2000, and his continued impact on science and technology.

Born: January 22, 1936
Physicist

22 januari 1936

1 januari 1961

1 januari 1977

1 januari 1982

10 oktober 2000

1 januari 2002

1 januari 2005

5 oktober 2009

1 januari 2010

14 november 2013

22januari
1936
22 January 1936

Alan J. Heeger is Born

Alan J. Heeger was born on January 22, 1936, in Sioux City, Iowa, United States. He would go on to become an influential physicist and chemist, renowned for his pioneering work in the field of conductive polymers, a revolutionary discovery that eventually earned him a Nobel Prize.

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01januari
1961
01 January 1961

Alan J. Heeger Earns Ph.D.

In 1961, Alan J. Heeger completed his Ph.D. in physics from the University of California, Berkeley. His doctoral work marked the beginning of a prolific academic and research career, which would later encompass groundbreaking discoveries in the field of polymer science, particularly conductive polymers.

01januari
1977
01 January 1977

Discovery of Conductive Polymers

In 1977, Alan J. Heeger, along with chemists Alan MacDiarmid and Hideki Shirakawa, discovered that polyacetylene, a polymer, could conduct electricity when doped with iodine vapor. This discovery of conductive polymers was groundbreaking and led to the development of new materials with metallic conductivity and numerous applications in electronics and materials science.

01januari
1982
01 January 1982

Founding of UNIAX Corporation

In 1982, Alan J. Heeger founded UNIAX Corporation, a company focused on developing and commercializing new conductive polymer materials. This venture demonstrated Heeger's commitment to not only advancing scientific knowledge but also translating his research into practical applications with significant technological impact.

10oktober
2000
10 October 2000

Nobel Prize in Chemistry Awarded

On October 10, 2000, Alan J. Heeger was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, along with Alan MacDiarmid and Hideki Shirakawa, for the discovery and development of conductive polymers. This prestigious award recognized their collaborative research which dramatically expanded the possibilities for advanced electronic materials.

01januari
2002
01 January 2002

Founding of CBrite, Inc.

In 2002, Alan J. Heeger co-founded CBrite, Inc., a company focusing on advancing displays and lighting using new organic materials. Through initiatives like CBrite, Heeger continued to bridge his scientific research with commercial technology, pushing the boundaries of how organic materials can be applied in various industries, particularly in optoelectronics.

01januari
2005
01 January 2005

Professorship at the University of California, Santa Barbara

In 2005, Alan J. Heeger joined the faculty at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he served as a professor. His role at UCSB involved teaching and furthering his research in the field of conductive polymers, while influencing a new generation of scientists in the rapidly evolving field of materials chemistry.

05oktober
2009
05 October 2009

American Academy of Arts and Sciences Fellow Induction

On October 5, 2009, Alan J. Heeger was inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. This honor recognized his significant contributions to the scientific community and his pioneering work in the synthesis and application of conductive polymers, which have far-reaching impacts across various fields of study.

01januari
2010
01 January 2010

Honorary Doctorate from the University of Athens

In 2010, Alan J. Heeger received an honorary doctorate from the University of Athens in recognition of his groundbreaking work in the field of conductive polymers. Such honors reflect the impact of his contributions to chemistry and materials science, as well as his international influence in advancing scientific understanding and technological innovation.

14november
2013
14 November 2013

Heeger Receives Global Energy Prize

On November 14, 2013, Alan J. Heeger was awarded the Global Energy Prize for his fundamental research into the electronic properties of conductive polymers. The award highlighted the potential of his discoveries to solve critical energy challenges by enabling the development of new materials and electronic devices with applications in solar energy and other renewable technologies.

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When did Alan J. Heeger win the Nobel Prize and for what achievement?

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