Sam Meacham

Patent Scientist,
Leeds

Sam Meacham

Sam joined EIP as a Patent Scientist with a background in Chemistry. He gained a First Class MChem degree from the University of York, covering modules such as Materials, Catalysis, Clean Technology and Organic Synthesis. While completing his Chemistry degree, Sam completed an Industrial Placement at Merck Chemicals Ltd where he worked in an R&D role in the New Concepts team, working on proof-of-concept projects relating to optical films and coatings for display applications.

Sam then went on to complete his PhD at the SOFI Centre for Doctoral Training at Durham University. The programme involved training in collaboration with a range of industrial partners including Merck, Schlumberger, AkzoNobel and Unilever, focussing on current and future challenges relevant to their businesses. Sam also completed a course in Strategic Management at the Durham Business School, certified by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

His research project concerned the use of zeolites as heterogeneous catalysts in the synthesis of cyclic monomers from alpha-hydroxy acids, which is an important step in the production of biodegradable polymers such as poly(lactic acid).

Published articles

  • July 2023
    Chemical Communications, Selective alkylation of mandelic acid to diarylacetic acids over a commercial zeolite† (link)

Education and qualifications

  • Postgraduate Certificate in Intellectual Property Law (Distinction), Bournemouth University
  • 2018 — 2022
    PhD, SOFI Centre for Doctoral Training, Durham University
  • 2014 — 2018
    MChem with a Year in Industry, University of York

Career history

  • 2022 — present
    Patent Scientist, EIP
  • 2017 — 2018
    12-month Industrial Placement, Merck Chemicals Ltd

Specialisms

Elements

  • Materials science
  • Petrochemicals
  • Polymers