Theodore L. Cairns

Theodore L. Cairns (July 20, 1914 – September 26, 1994) was an American chemist, a member of the National Academy of Sciences, a research scientist at DuPont Central Research, known for his contributions to U.S. scientific policy and applications of chemistry.

Cairns was the director of the Central Research Department of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company. He was also the chair of the Division of Chemistry and Chemical Technology of the National Research Council, on President Richard Nixon's Science Policy Task Force and Nixon's Science Advisory Committee. Perkin Medal, American section of the Society of Chemical Industry, 1973 Elliott Cresson Medal, The Franklin Institute, 1974

Notable government assignments The Delaware Governor's Council on Science and Technology, 1969-72 President Nixon's Science Policy Task Force, 1969 The President's Science Advisory Committee, 1970-73 The President's Committee on the National Medal of Science, 1974-75 The Polytechnic Institute of New York Advisory Council for Chemistry, 1976-78