Prof Vernon C. Gibson FRS

 
 

Throughout his research career Gibson has worked closely with industry to address challenges of industrial importance. In a departure from typical projects sponsored by industry in academia, Gibson’s group was selected by BP for a new and closer working relationship. In a spirit of partnership his group was given the challenge of discovering new catalyst systems for controlled alkene polymerisation and providing commercialisation options, which it achieved with considerable success. The model was adopted by BP as a productive new way of working with academia leading to similar programmes being established with academic groups in other Universities both in the UK and abroad. This model continues to evolve and, as BP’s Chief Chemist, he now guides its development from the other side of the academia-industry interface.