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. ^{[1] [2]} Cairns was the director of the Central Research Department of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.^[3] 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.^[2] His daughter Margaret C. Etter became a noted chemist in her own right, conducting her research at the University of Minnesota.

Awards and distinctions

• The City of Wilmington's Outstanding Citizen Award, 1963^[2]
• The American Chemical Society Award for Creative Work in Synthetic Organic Chemistry, 1968^[2]
• SOCMA (Society of Chemical Manufacturers Association) Medal for Creative Research in Synthetic Organic Chemistry, 1968^[2]
• Honorary Doctor of Laws degree, University of Alberta, 1970^[2][4]
• Perkin Medal, American section of the Society of Chemical Industry, 1973^[2][5]
• Elliott Cresson Medal, The Franklin Institute, 1974^[2][6]

Notable government assignments

• The Delaware Governor's Council on Science and Technology, 1969-72^[2]
• President Nixon's Science Policy Task Force, 1969^[2]
• The President's Science Advisory Committee, 1970-73^[2]
• The President's Committee on the National Medal of Science, 1974-75^[2]
• The Polytechnic Institute of New York Advisory Council for Chemistry, 1976-78^[2]