Description: (Chemist)
Otto Wichterle was a distinguished Czech chemist celebrated for his invention of modern soft contact lenses. With numerous patents and publications, he made significant contributions to organic and inorganic chemistry, polymer science, and biomedical materials. Wichterle's research encompassed organic synthesis, polymerization, fiber technology, and biomedical material synthesis. He emphasized the societal impact of scientific research, bridging the gap between "pure" and "applied" science to drive innovation and progress.