Professor Juan de Pablo has received the 2018 Polymer Physics Prize, given annually by the American Physical Society (APS), "for his innovative models and algorithms for the simulation of macromolecular systems."
This prize was established in 1960 with The Dow Chemical Company now serving as chief supporter. The prize recognizes outstanding accomplishment and excellence of contributions in polymer physics research. It consists of $10,000 and a certificate citing the contributions made by the recipient.
Juan de Pablo is the Liew Family Professor of Molecular Engineering at the University of Chicago. He earned his BS in chemical engineering from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México in 1985, and his PhD in chemical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1990. His research focuses on the development of molecular models and advanced algorithms for simulation of macromolecules, complex fluids, and polymeric materials. His contributions have ranged from studies of self-assembly in polymeric systems to close examination of the pathways through which disordered proteins aggregate to form toxic amyloid fibrils.
Some of his current interests are related to the design of liquid crystalline materials with engineered responses, investigations of DNA and chromatin compaction, and development of multiscale models with which to describe different kinds of active matter. He is the author of more than 500 publications, one textbook, and over 20 patents. In 2016, he received the DuPont Medal for Excellence in Nutrition and Health Sciences for the development of amorphous glassy materials in which to preserve enzymes, proteins, and bacterial formulations. In 2015, he received the Intel Patterning Sciences Award for his studies of block polymer directed assembly and its application in lithographic processes. He is also the recipient of the 2011 Charles Stine Award from the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, a fellow of the American Physical Society, and a Foreign Correspondent Member of the Mexican Academy of Sciences.