2026 Science & Technology award winners announced

Akron, OH – On Monday, September 28th at the Global Polymer Summit being held in Louisville, KY, the Rubber Division will honor the 2026 Science & Technology award winners. Afterwards, the division will feature a special session bringing together the award recipients to demonstrate how scientific discovery is driving next-generation performance, manufacturing, and sustainability across the rubber industry. Presentations will span fundamental research in rheology, polymer physics, network topology, and processing, alongside innovations in durability modeling, advanced manufacturing, sustainable materials, and greener tire technologies.

This year’s winners will have the following presentations following the award banquet.

Charles Goodyear Medalist – Dr. Gregory B. McKenna
• Interrogating Rubber Physics: From Rheology to Swelling and the Approach to the Glass Transition

Melvin Mooney Distinguished Technology Award Winner – Dr. Will V. Mars
• Fatigue Testing and Analysis for Right the First Time Engineering

George Stafford Whitby Award for Distinguished Teaching & Research Winner – Dr. Rigoberto Advincula
• Advanced Manufacturing and High Performance Polymers with AI/ML Workflows

Sparks-Thomas Award Winner – Dr. Clement Robin
• Linking Structure to Performance in Elastomers: New Insights from Network Topology

Fernley H. Banbury Award Winner – Dr. Gerard Nijman
• Rheological Aspects in the Extrusion of Rubber Compounds

Sustainability in Elastomers Award Winner – Dr. Rabindra Mukhopadhyay
• Decarbonising the Tyre and Rubber Industry through Sustainable Elastomers, Green Reinforcements, and Waste-Derived Materials

The Awards Banquet will be held Monday, September 28; 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (purchase ticket during GPS registration) and the Award Winner Presentations will follow at1:45 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. (open to all attendees).

For more information visit https://gps2026.events.rubber.org/events/scheduleOfEvents2