Reinventing plastics, one reaction at a time

Bringing Chemistry to Life

Polymer chemistry has been one of the main disruptive forces in the last few decades, having a profound impact on materials used in all applications, enabling new technologies and profoundly impacting everyone’s life. Polymers are at the core of modern material science and despite having generated some concerning environmental challenges, it’s hard to imagine a future without them.

Dr. Leibfarth is one of the most creative minds in polymer chemistry today and he is leading some incredible innovation in the way these materials are made and applied. He shares a fascinating story of elite collegiate American football, science, inspiration and creativity, as well as where different disciplines converge and provide the disruptive force to change paradigms.

Paolo and Frank discuss stereo-controlled polymerization, novel functionalization, exploration of structure-function relationships, as well as Frank's personal and professional growth.

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About Your Host

Born and raised in Italy, Paolo Braiuca, a PhD in pharmaceutical sciences, co-founded a startup company after conducting research in biocatalysis in Italy and the UK. He transitioned from R&D to business development, working in commercial, product management, and marketing roles in the specialty chemicals, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical markets in Germany and the UK. A busy father of four, if asked, he’ll call himself a “maker” at heart and enjoys inventing electronic devices in his free time.