Professor Paul Thomas Anastas

Professor Anastas was born in Quincy, Massachusetts, United States. He is trained as a synthetic organic chemist. He earned his Bachelor of Science majoring in chemistry from the University of Massachusetts Boston and his Master’s degree and PhD in chemistry from Brandeis University.

He began his career as a staff chemist at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), where he coined the term "Green Chemistry" and launched the field's first research program. Professor Anastas went on to co-found the Green Chemistry Institute in 1997 at the American Chemical Society and served in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy from 1999 to 2004, concluding his service as Assistant Director for the Environment. He served as the Chief Scientist at the US Environmental Protection Agency under President Barack Obama, during which time he provided expert leadership in major environmental crises, including major oil spills and the Fukushima Nuclear Incident in Japan. He has written over 200 scientific papers, 17 books, numerous patents, and founded 5 co-companies.

Professor Anastas is the Inaugural Director of Yale University's Center for Green Chemistry and Green Engineering. He works with students to inspire and empower the next generation of scientists and engineers. As a result of his advocacy, green chemistry courses, degree programs, and training materials are bringing new life to global chemistry education.