Grenoble, France-September 12, 2000 - Research Scientist Thad C. Maloney and Professor Hannu Paulapuro and from the Helsinki University of Technology have been awarded the first Van den Akker Prize for Paper Physics. Their contributions are contained in their paper "The Formation of Pores in the Cell Wall", printed in the Journal of Pulp and Paper Science in December 1999.

The Johannes A. Van den Akker Prize for Advances in Paper Physics was created last year by the Institute of Paper Science and Technology, and was made possible through the generous donations of the family, friends, and students of Dr. Van den Akker, a former senior research associate and Chairman of the Department of Physics and Mathematics at the Institute of Paper Chemistry (IPC). Dr. Van den Akker was known for his brilliant mind, demand for excellence, and leadership in the field of paper physics for over 40 years.

Dr. James L. Ferris, President of the Institute of Paper Science and Technology (formerly the Institute of Paper Chemistry), says, "Van taught at the Institute from 1935 to 1975 and continually moved forward the field of paper and fiber physics over that period. He taught hundreds of future industry leaders who benefitted tremendously from his mentoring."

To recognize the many contributions Dr. Van den Akker made to the field of paper physics and to the paper industry, the Institute led the establishment of an endowment to support the award. The Van den Akker Prize will be awarded annually through the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI) Paper Physics Committee, of which Dr. Van den Akker was a member for many years. Dr. Ferris explains, "Van was a long-time member of the TAPPI Paper Physics Committee. In addition, Van was a TAPPI Gold Medallist, so it seemed fitting to involve both the Institute and TAPPI in awarding the Prize in his memory." Members of the TAPPI Paper Physics Committee conducted the nomination and selection process and presented the Prize to the winners at the recent International Paper Physics Conference in Grenoble.

In 1935, Dr. Van den Akker joined IPC and earned his reputation as a pathfinding researcher in the optical properties of paper. Dr. Ferris, a former student of Van den Akker observed, "Van and others at the Institute, brought the paper industry from an art to a science by applying basic science to the products and processes of the paper industry. This paper by Paulapuro and Maloney, advances the field as Van would have wanted. I know for certain that the nature of the contribution by these researchers would have pleased Dr. Van den Akker." The recipients of this first Van den Akker Prize advanced the field of paper physics forward through the application of a new observational technique to better understand the properties of the cellulosic cell wall. The research gave new insight into how direct observations on the cell level could be made, and how changes in the cell wall might affect paper properties.

For more information contact David Bell at David.Bell@ipst.gatech.edu.