Chemist Inventor 'Sniffs' His Way to Prestigious US$500,000 Lemelson-MIT Prize

As an educator and researcher, Swager is widely recognized as an outstanding role model for young innovators. He encourages students to have a “healthy irreverence” to him and to constantly challenge their own thinking, as well. As a result, Swager's students are highly regarded for their intellect, work ethic, leadership and integrity.

Swager also serves on numerous government committees and task forces. He is a standing member of the National Research Council’s Committee on Operational Science and Technology Options for Defeating Improvised Explosive Devices, and is currently in a working group that advises the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization (JIEDDO). Swager also co-wrote the proposal that established the Institute for Soldier Nanotechnology at MIT and was its initial associate director.

In addition to honoring Swager with the US$500,000 Lemelson-MIT Prize, the Lemelson-MIT Program also announced the inaugural winner of its new US$100,000 Lemelson-MIT Award for Sustainability. The award recognizes inventors whose products and processes enhance economic opportunity and community well-being in developing and/or developed countries, while protecting and restoring the natural environment. Lee Lynd, professor of engineering and adjunct professor of biology at Dartmouth College and co-founder of Mascoma Corp., received the award for a body of inventive work related to the conversion of cellulosic biomass into ethanol for fuel.

From May 2-5, Swager and Lynd will join the Lemelson-MIT Program for the first-ever EurekaFest, a multi-day celebration designed to empower a legacy of inventors through activities that inspire youth, honor role models, and encourage creativity and problem solving. EurekaFest is presented by the Lemelson-MIT Program in partnership with the Museum of Science, Boston.