Irving Wender received the Ph.D. in Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, 1950. Before his Ph.D., he served on the Manhattan Project. Afterwards, he had an illustrious career, first in fundamental, then in applied research, as Project Coordinator, then Research Director, and finally as Head, Chemistry Division, Pittsburgh Energy Research Center, U.S. Bureau of Mines, Department of Interior. Subsequently, he was Special Advisor to the Program Director, FE, DOE, Special Assistant to the Secretary of Fossil Energy, Department of Energy (DOE), Washington, DC, Acting Director and Director, Office of Advanced Research and Technology Development, Special Executive Service, FE, DOE, Washington, DC. From 1981 to 1990, he was Research Professor, Chemical and Petroleum Engineering Department and Adjunct Professor, Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, and since 1994, Distinguished University Research Professor of Engineering. He has authored or co authored about 200 papers, 5 edited books and eleven patents. Among his numerous awards and honors are: the H.H. Storch Award of the American Chemical Society, Fuel Division for distinguished contributions to science and utilization of coal, 1964, Pittsburgh Award of the American Chemical Society, Pittsburgh Section, for outstanding contributions to chemistry, 1968, American Chemical Society Award in Petroleum Chemistry sponsored by the Lubrizol Corporation, March 1982, Pittsburgh Catalysis Society Award in recognition of outstanding achievements in the field of catalysis, May 1982, and the Homer H. Lowry Award in Fossil Energy, given by the Secretary of Energy, November 1988 in recognition of advancing fossil energy technology through highly innovative research on catalytic conversion of syngas to fuels and chemicals, coal liquefaction and decisive guidance and inspirational leadership in shaping research programs in government, academia and industry.