For the first time ever, a non-DuPont employee has won the DuPont Bolton/Carothers Innovative Science Award. The 2009 edition of the prestigious prize is being bestowed onto Kevin Westgate, the lead engineer at Goodyear’s global materials science division.
The honor recognizes Goodyear’s achievements for advancing hybrid cord tire technology through the use of DuPont’s Kevlar along with successfully commercializing the scientific developments via the introduction of multiple tire designs into the marketplace.
The award honors “creative scientific invention or discovery that results in the creation of recently commercialized new products, technology or business that is generating significant revenue with the potential for continued earnings.”
It takes its title from DuPont’s discovery of nylon in the 1930s, led by Wallace Carothers, as well as its commercialization, which was spearheaded by Elmer Bolton.
Having granted the award 17 times in the past, the 2009 recognition of Goodyear’s Westgate marks the first time anyone outside of DuPont has received it.
The award presentation will be Jan. 19 at the DuPont Country Club in Wilmington, Del.
For more information, visit www.goodyear.com.
