Born in 1936, Dr. Heeger is currently a professor of physics and materials sciences at UC Santa Barbara. He jointly received the Nobel Prize in chemistry with Dr. Alan McDiamid, University of Pennsylvania and Dr. Hideki Shirakawa of the Institute Materials Sciences at the University of Tsukuba, Japan in 2000. Their collaborative effort led to the discovery and development of conductive polymer. They proved that with certain modification, plastic, an object we used to think as insulator, can be as conductive as metals. This discovery not only opened new research prospects but also proven to be highly valuable in industrial application.

In recent years, Dr. Heeger devotes himself in the research of energy-conserving technology. As the Chief Scientist and partner of Korata Technologies, Inc., Dr. Heeger is working with a group of accomplished scientists, including scientists in nanotechnology and photoelectric, to develop low cost semi-conductor polymer to lower the cost of solar power and increase the efficiency of solar cells.

In his lecture, Dr. Heeger emphasized the critical issues of global warming and energy shortage. Conventional power generating techniques cause air pollution and damage our environment. Thus, it is imperative that we seek renewable and environment-friendly sources of energy to preserve and maintain the sustainability of our habitat. Solar and wind power are not only renewable but also environmentally safe and, therefore, are the ideal resources to harness. He encouraged his young audience to be adventurous and creative in this new research arena and be prepared to do their parts in sustaining our environment and uplifting the quality of life for the entire humanity.