IISRP honors Bowei Lee, Zhang Liqun at Annual General Meeting

DUBLIN, Ireland—The leader of a Taiwan-based maker of thermoplastic elastomers and other chemicals, along with a professor at a Chinese university, were honored at the International Institute of Synthetic Rubber Producers' Annual General Meeting in Dublin.

LCY Group Chairman Bowei Lee received the 2025 IISRP General Award, while Zhang Liqun, currently a professor at Xi'an Jiaotong University in China, was the Technical Award honoree during an April 8 ceremony.

The General Award—the IISRP's highest honor—recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to global industry development, technological innovation and sustainable transformation.

Bowei has been a longtime champion of materials science innovation and the advancement of green technologies. Under his leadership, LCY Chemical Corp. has delivered significant breakthroughs in green materials, carbon neutrality and the circular economy—driving meaningful progress toward a more sustainable future for the industry.

"This recognition from the IISRP is a testament to LCY's commitment to innovation and sustainable development in synthetic rubber by our teams in Taiwan, China, the United States and Europe," Bowei said in receiving the award. "The synthetic rubber industry is facing challenges such as changing market demands, tightening environmental regulations and carbon emissions management.

"In response, the industry must improve material performance to reduce environmental impact. LCY will continue to develop advanced materials and technologies, promote sustainable development and deepen collaboration across the industry to accelerate the transition to a greener future."

Roxanna Bauza Petrovic, managing director and CEO of the IISRP, said Bowei is advancing the development of green elastomer materials that help improve the quality and convenience of everyday life.

"With his commitment to promoting sustainable development and nurturing talent in the materials industry, we can look forward to seeing continued and dynamic growth in the synthetic rubber sector," she said.

The Houston-based association gives its Technical Award for significant technical contributions during an individual's career.

Liqun has received awards around the world for his research and contributions in the SR industry, the institute said. He holds over 200 Chinese patents and Patent Cooperation Treaty patents, and also has performed over 100 plenary and invited lectures at international conferences, according to the IISRP.

"Professor Zhang may be considered one of the most outstanding scientists in the field of rubber materials science and engineering worldwide today," the association said. "In China, he is the only member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering in the field of rubber materials science and engineering and is the leading academic figure in this field."

Liqun thanked his colleagues, saying their "strength and passion and collaboration have broadened my horizons and inspired me."

"I am also grateful to the industry that has applied our technology," he said in accepting the award. "Close collaboration of industry and academia is crucial for the transformation of scientific achievements."

The IISRP drew about 100 attendees to its AGM, held April 7-10 in London.