Chemist Geoffrey Coates will receive the Benjamin Franklin Medal in Chemistry from the Franklin Institute, one of the nation’s oldest awards, during a ceremony on April 30, 2026. 

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Coates, the Tisch University Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology in the College of Arts and Sciences, is being recognized “for transformative work at the interface of chemical catalyst design and polymer science, leading to novel ways of making biodegradable and recyclable plastics.”

“The Benjamin Franklin Award is one of the most prestigious accolades in all of science, and I can’t think of a better recipient than Geoff," said Tristan Lambert, William T. Miller Professor and chair of chemistry and chemical biology. "His research program combines exceptional creativity and scientific rigor with an unparalleled view towards practical impact on the world. His work in the field of polymer chemistry sets the gold standard for how chemistry can benefit society.”

Coates’ interests lie at the interface of organic, inorganic, and materials chemistry. The broader impacts of his research include benign polymers and chemical synthesis, the utilization of renewable resources, and safe and economical energy storage and conversion.

Read the full story on the College of Arts and Sciences website.