Baekeland Lecture

Established 1943

The only chemist in Time magazine's list of the 20 greatest scientists and thinkers of the 20th century, Dr Leo Baekeland's name and contribution to society is highlighted amongst the likes of Einstein, Freud and the Wright brothers.

Baekeland's practical creativity had a massive impact on the industries covered by SCI, leading to the development of the vast polymeric materials sector. Inexpensive to produce and versatile, Bakelite, the world's first synthetic plastic, revolutionised the development and manufacture of many products, and made a range of durable household items widely accessible.