KINGSTON, R.I. – February 10, 2012 – Martin Bide is fond of pointing out that, throughout human history, new technologies have often been applied to textiles first. As a research professor in the Department of Textiles, Fashion Merchandising & Design, at the University of Rhode Island, he is at the forefront of many such technologies, including pioneering the use of small-diameter artificial arteries in the human body and biomedical wound dressings that help prevent infections.
The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists will recognize Bide’s 30 years of work in industrial dye chemistry and textiles when it presents him with a lifetime achievement award at its International Conference on March 23 in Charlotte, N.C.
Bide, a former president of the association, will receive the Olney Medal for outstanding achievements in the field of textile chemistry and he will present an address titled, “In Praise of Textile Chemistry.”
“I was surprised, thrilled, humbled,” said Bide. “I’ve been in the AATCC long enough to have seen who’s won it before, and it’s pretty good company. In my field, it’s some pretty famous names, and for me to be in that category, it’s pretty humbling.”
Bide’s research includes forensic analysis of fibers and dyes; the development of textile-related biomedical materials; the environmental effects of textile wet-processing and dyeing, printing, dye analysis, wool processing, and color science. He has published more than 80 papers and book chapters, and one textbook. He has presented more than 75 technical talks at professional meetings, and has four patents. Bide has received more than $1 million in research funding while at URI.
Established in 1944 in honor of Louis Atwell Olney, the founder and first president of the association, the Olney Medal recognizes outstanding achievement in textile or polymer chemistry or other fields of chemistry of major importance to textile science. The award consists of a gold medal, a scroll, and an honorarium.
Bide, a native of the United Kingdom, has taught at the University since 1991 after he spent a decade at the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth. He received a doctorate in color chemistry and color technology from the University of Bradford (U.K.) in 1979.
The Association provides test method development, quality control materials, education and professional networking for textile industry professionals. Its corporate members include companies such as 3M, BASF and Land’s End.