The Dow Chemical Company—A Leader in Advanced Materials Technology

In 1897, Dr. Herbert Henry Dow founded The Dow Chemical Company in Midland Michigan. Since then, Dow has become an international operation, with locations on six continents. The chief scientist and the director of research and development describe here early research efforts that form the basis for current materials research at Dow, and introduce this special issue, which highlights some of the recent innovations at Dow in areas as diverse advanced polymeric materials, combinatorial science, nanocomposites, light-emitting polymers, and electroactive thermoplastics.