# Hideki Shirakawa

> Japanese scientist (1936–)

**Wikidata**: [Q110916](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q110916)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hideki_Shirakawa)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/hideki-shirakawa

## Summary
Hideki Shirakawa is a Japanese scientist (1936-) known for his groundbreaking contributions to chemistry and engineering. He is recognized for his work in the field of conductive polymers, which earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2000, shared with Alan MacDiarmid and Alan Heeger.

## Biography
- Born: 1936 (exact date and place not specified)
- Nationality: Japanese
- Education: Attended the Tokyo Institute of Technology (affiliated with)
- Known for: Pioneering research on conductive polymers and their applications
- Employer(s): Tokyo Institute of Technology, University of Pennsylvania, University of Tsukuba
- Field(s): Chemistry, Engineering

## Contributions
- Developed conductive polymers, which revolutionized the field of electronics by enabling flexible, lightweight, and inexpensive materials for electronic devices.
- His work laid the foundation for organic electronics, leading to advancements in solar cells, sensors, and displays.
- Collaborated with Alan MacDiarmid and Alan Heeger, who shared the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2000 for their contributions to the discovery and development of conductive polymers.

## FAQs
- **What is Hideki Shirakawa known for?**
  Hideki Shirakawa is renowned for his pioneering work in conductive polymers, which earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2000.

- **Where has Hideki Shirakawa worked?**
  He has been affiliated with institutions such as the Tokyo Institute of Technology, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Tsukuba.

- **What awards has Hideki Shirakawa received?**
  He has received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, the Order of Culture, and the Person of Cultural Merit.

## Why They Matter
Hideki Shirakawa's discovery of conductive polymers transformed the electronics industry by introducing materials that are flexible, lightweight, and cost-effective. His work paved the way for innovations in organic electronics, including solar cells, sensors, and displays. His collaboration with Alan MacDiarmid and Alan Heeger demonstrated the power of international scientific cooperation, leading to a Nobel Prize-winning breakthrough.

## Notable For
- Nobel Prize in Chemistry (2000) for contributions to conductive polymers
- Order of Culture (1937) and Person of Cultural Merit for his scientific achievements
- Professor at the Tokyo Institute of Technology, University of Pennsylvania, and University of Tsukuba
- Member of the Japan Academy

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Hideki Shirakawa was born in 1936. He pursued his education at the Tokyo Institute of Technology, where he laid the groundwork for his future research in chemistry and engineering.

### Career and Research
Shirakawa's career was marked by significant contributions to the field of conductive polymers. His work, along with that of Alan MacDiarmid and Alan Heeger, led to the development of materials that could conduct electricity, revolutionizing electronics. This breakthrough earned them the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2000.

### Academic Affiliations
Throughout his career, Shirakawa has been affiliated with several prestigious institutions, including the Tokyo Institute of Technology, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Tsukuba. These affiliations allowed him to collaborate with leading scientists and further advance his research.

### Awards and Recognition
Shirakawa's achievements have been widely recognized, earning him numerous awards, including the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, the Order of Culture, and the Person of Cultural Merit. These honors reflect his significant impact on the scientific community.

### Legacy
Hideki Shirakawa's work on conductive polymers has had a lasting influence on the electronics industry. His discoveries have enabled the development of flexible, lightweight, and inexpensive materials for electronic devices, paving the way for innovations in solar cells, sensors, and displays. His legacy continues to inspire researchers in the field of organic electronics.

## References

1. [The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2000. nobelprize.org](https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/chemistry/2000/summary/)
2. [Table showing prize amounts. Nobel Foundation. 2019](https://www.nobelprize.org/uploads/2019/04/prize-amounts-2020.pdf)
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. National Diet Library
5. CiNii Research
6. [Personal Information - SHIRAKAWA Hideki | The Japan Academy](https://www.japan-acad.go.jp/en/members/5/shirakawa_hideki.html)
7. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
8. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
9. Munzinger Personen
10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
11. LIBRIS. 2012