Alan Heeger

Alan Heeger was an American physicist and professor renowned for his groundbreaking work in conducting polymers—materials that can conduct electricity like metals but are lightweight and flexible. His research, conducted alongside scientists Alan MacDiarmid and Hideki Shirakawa, led to the development of polymer-based electronic devices, such as lightweight batteries, flexible displays, and solar cells. Their pioneering discoveries earned them the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2000. Heeger's contributions revolutionized materials science by enabling new, versatile electronic applications and expanding the potential uses of plastics in technology.