Analytical chemist and researcher John Scott has been selected to be the state scientist leading pollution prevention in Illinois.

The State Pollution Prevention Scientist, one of seven state scientists based at the Prairie Research Institute, provides science-based information on statewide pollution issues for the people of Illinois.

Scott explained that PFAS — an evolving challenge — and pollution associated with agriculture — such as nutrient runoff and pesticide use and their significance for Illinoisans’ water resources — as two particularly important areas of concern for Illinois. 

An important part of pollution prevention is that environmental and economic benefits can go hand in hand, he added.

“Waste and emissions often represent lost materials, energy, or other inefficiencies within a process,” Scott said. “By helping businesses reduce waste and pollution at the source, we can protect the environment while also improving efficiency, sustainability, and, in many cases, profitability.”

Scott has been a researcher at the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center since 2001. His research examines pollutants, including emerging contaminants like PFAS and microplastics, now being found throughout everyday life, and waste-to-energy and resource recovery.

Scott’s work combines advanced analytical instrumentation with practical problem-solving to better understand complex chemical systems, prevent pollution at its source, recover value from materials traditionally considered waste, and support the development of technologies and practices that protect human health and the environment.

In his new role, Scott aims to identify the greatest opportunities for pollution prevention across Illinois and determine where efforts can have the greatest impact. By bridging silos of environmental data, expertise, and perspectives across agencies and proactively engaging with industry, the State Pollution Prevention Scientist can help Illinois address complex problems, like PFAS, that cross traditional agency boundaries and need a coordinated approach.

“I will help connect science with action,” he said, “to use research, data, collaboration, and engagement with government, communities, and industry to identify environmental problems early and, whenever possible, prevent pollution before it occurs.”

The Illinois State Pollution Prevention Scientist serves as the authoritative spokesperson on matters of pollution prevention for the state and represents Illinois on pollution issues. This state scientist, established in 2013 by the Illinois General Assembly, provides timely, objective information on advances in methods, practices, research, and policy related to pollution prevention to the people of Illinois, policymakers, and industry.

Learn more about all the state scientists and how they serve Illinois.

The Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign provides scientific expertise and transformative research to the people of Illinois and beyond. PRI is home to the five state scientific surveys: the Illinois Natural History Survey, Illinois State Archaeological Survey, Illinois State Geological Survey, Illinois State Water Survey, and Illinois Sustainable Technology Center.

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