Dr Alan N. Gent, world-renowned polymer and rubber scientist, has been selected for the prestigious Tan Sri Dr B.C.Sekhar Gold Medal 2010, instituted by Rubber Asia magazine.
Dr Alan N. Gent, who is at present Research Professor at the University of Akron, Akron, Ohio, US, has been awarded for his outstanding contributions to the global rubber industry over the years.
He is well-known for his multi-dimensional contributions to the rubber industry in various capacities such as consultant to leading global tyre and rubber companies and institutions and as an academician and scholar on polymers and all rubber-related materials and their engineering.
The award has been instituted to honour the memory of late Dr Sekhar, the internationally acclaimed rubber scientist and administrator, who devoted his entire life for the promotion of the rubber industry, especially natural rubber.
The Gold Medal will be presented by noted agricultural scientist Prof M.S. Swaminathan at the India Rubber Summit & Dinner 2011 to be held in Kochi on September 3.
The international jury for the award is headed by Mr P.C. Cyriac, former Chairman of the Indian Rubber Board and former Additional Secretary to the Government of Tamil Nadu.
The jury comprised dignitaries such as Dr Stephen Evans, Secretary-General, International Rubber Study Group; Dr Abdul Azeez S.A Kadir, Secretary-General International Rubber Research and Development Board; Ms Sheela Thomas, Chairman of the Rubber Board; Datuk Dr Salmiah Ahmad, Director-General, Malaysian Rubber Board; Mr Vinod Simon, President of the All-India Rubber Industries Association; Mr Kurian Abraham, Editor & Managing Director of Rubber Asia; and Mr John S. Powath, Executive Director, Rubber Asia.