CCR Names Dr. William F. Banholzer Recipient of the Malcolm E. Pruitt Award
MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. April 26, 2012— The Council for Chemical Research (CCR), a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing research in chemistry, chemical engineering and related disciplines, is proud to honor Dr. William F. Banholzer as the recipient of the 2012 Malcolm E. Pruitt Award.
The award, named in honor of CCR founder Malcolm Pruitt, recognizes an individual in the industry whose efforts demonstrate exceptional contributions to the development of chemistry-related sciences. Dr. William F. Banholzer, of The Dow Chemical Company, continues to demonstrate exceptional commitment to the chemical research industry through various education initiatives, established to fund chemical research and development at universities across the nation.
Dr. Banholzer’s dedication to furthering industry education and his persistent efforts to increase funding for students has helped advance the field of chemical research and launch various programs, including Dow’s 2007 Methane Challenge, an open solicitation seeking radical new approaches for converting methane into chemical products.
“Dr. Banholzer continues to establish meaningful connections between universities and chemical researchers,” said C. Paul Mendez, Executive Director of CCR. “His efforts are leading to important advances and will help train the next generation.”
Banholzer serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at The Dow Chemical Company, leading all of Dow’s Innovation programs including research and development activities and new growth platforms. Prior to his employment at Dow, Banholzer served as the Vice President of Engineering and Vice President of Global Technology for General Electric. He studied chemistry at Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI and went on to the University of Illinois to earn both his Master’s Degree and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering.
“Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science are vitally important if we are going to solve the challenges of the future," said Banholzer. "The Pruitt Award is a great honor and is made more special because it recognizes a very personal commitment to collaboration between industry and academia. It is vital that universities both participate in cutting-edge research and train the next generation.”
He is an active member of the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) and was elected as a Councilor for the organization in 2006. He has served NAE by increasing funding for the American Energy Future and currently serves as a member of the NRC Board on Energy and Environmental Systems.
Banholzer is the recipient of 16 US patents and has authored or contributed to over 80 reviewed technical publications. He serves on several university chemical engineering committees, including those of the University of Illinois, the University of California Berkeley and the MIT President Advisory Council for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering.
Past recipients of the Malcolm E. Pruitt Award include Professor Scott Folger of the University of Michigan. Professor Folger was honored in 2010 for over 25 years of contribution to collaborative research in the oil industry through his Industrial Affiliates Program. Nominations for the 2013 Malcolm E. Pruitt Award will be accepted through February 2013. For details, requirements and eligibility, visit www.ccrhq.org.
Dr. Banholzer will be honored and receive his award at the 33rd Annual Council for Chemical Research Conference in Dearborn, MI. The conference, May 20-22, will focus on challenges the chemical industry faces for the growing areas of alternative energy, agriculture and human health. For more information or to register, visit http://bit.ly/HjEj6R.
