Faith in Action #5: Fr. Nieuwland, the Priest Behind the First Synthetic Rubber Breakthrough

May 20, 2025:

When you think of groundbreaking scientific discoveries, the image of a Catholic priest might not immediately come to mind. Yet, Father Julius Nieuwland, a Belgian-born Holy Cross priest and chemistry professor, blurred the lines between faith and science, making a lasting impact that changed the world of materials forever. His pioneering work on acetylene chemistry laid the foundation for the creation of neoprene, the first synthetic rubber — a revolutionary invention that reshaped industries and daily life alike.

The Chemist in a Cassock

Born on February 14, 1878, in Hansbeke, Belgium, Julius Aloysius Arthur Nieuwland immigrated to the United States with his family in 1880, settling in South Bend, Indiana. After earning his undergraduate degree in classics from the University of Notre Dame in 1899, he was ordained a priest in 1903. Later, he pursued and successfully earned a PhD in chemistry and botany from The Catholic University of America.

It was during his doctoral work that Father Nieuwland synthesised a compound later known as lewisite, a notorious chemical warfare agent. This dangerous discovery left him hospitalised, and he chose not to pursue it further.

Inventing the Building Blocks of Synthetic Rubber

Father Nieuwland’s real breakthrough came in 1920 when he polymerised acetylene into divinylacetylene, a compound that would later become the foundation for neoprene, the world’s first synthetic rubber. This work caught the attention of DuPont's Elmer Bolton, whose research team brought neoprene to commercial viability, transforming industries from automotive to fashion.

Scholar, Editor, and Mentor

From 1904 to 1936, Father Nieuwland served at the University of Notre Dame, first as a botany professor and then as an organic chemistry professor. He also founded and edited the respected scientific journal American Midland Naturalist.

His classroom was also a training ground for future leaders. This included Knute Rockne, who studied pharmacy under Father Nieuwland before becoming a legendary Notre Dame football coach

Honours Received

Father Nieuwland’s contributions earned him multiple accolades, including the American Institute of Chemists Gold Medal and the Nichols Medal in 1935. Posthumously, he was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 1996—remarkably, the only Catholic priest to receive this honour.

Everlasting Influence

Father Julius Nieuwland passed away in 1936 at the age of 58. He is buried near the University of Notre Dame, where his dual legacy—as a man of God and science—continues to inspire students, scientists, and seekers alike. His name may not be as universally recognised as the materials he helped bring into existence, but Father Nieuwland’s life is proof that innovation sometimes wears a collar.

Source: Wikipedia

“Faith in Action” highlights inspiring stories of Catholic priests and nuns who have made remarkable contributions in fields like science, law, and technology. These individuals have pioneered inventions, developed cures, and impacted lives beyond the church. Know someone deserving of recognition? Contact editor@catholicconnect.in.

Read More From our “Faith in Action” Series:

Faith in Action #1: The Catholic Priest Who Transformed Fluid Dynamics

Faith in Action #2: The Catholic Priest Who Revolutionised Electrical Engineering

Faith in Action #3: The Catholic Priest Who Invented the "Silk Bulletproof Vest"