IISRP to Honor Synthetic Rubber Industry Leaders

HOUSTON, Texas, USA – 25 November 2025

News Release

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PR 03.2024

Two distinguished leaders will be recognized by the International Institute of Synthetic Rubber Producers, Inc. (IISRP) at its upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM). Dr. Elizabeth Delzell will receive the prestigious IISRP General Award, while Dr. Irina Yurovska will be honored with the coveted Technical Award. The formal presentation of both awards will take place on April 15, 2026, during the 66th IISRP Annual General Meeting in Houston, Texas, USA.
 

 

Dr. Elizabeth Delzell

Dr. Elizabeth Delzell earned her MSPH in epidemiology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1977) and her ScD from Harvard University (1981). She went on to hold faculty positions at Duke University (1981–1984) and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (1984–2013), where she advanced research, teaching, and mentoring in occupational, environmental, cancer, and pharmaco epidemiology, as well as outcomes research. Her work was strengthened through collaborations with distinguished colleagues and supported by funding and data access provided by IISRP, ACC, SIRC, HEI, AHRQ, Shell Oil Company, IBM, Ford Motor Company, the NIH Fogarty International Center and others. Over her career, she authored more than 200 publications.

Dr. Delzell conducted extensive studies on cancer and disease risks among workers in diverse industries producing synthetic rubber, semiconductors, petroleum, petrochemicals, pesticides, motor vehicles and rubber products. She led a landmark long-term investigation in the North American synthetic rubber polymer industry, which identified 1,3-butadiene as a cause of human leukemia, shaping national and international regulations. Her work also revealed elevated bladder cancer risks among synthetic rubber workers and contributed to understanding potential cancer links with styrene.



 

Dr. Irina Yurovska

Dr. Irina Yurovska brings decades of experience serving the global rubber, tire, and chemical industries. After earning her BS in Chemistry, MS in Chemical Engineering, and PhD in Physics and Mechanics of Polymers in the former Soviet Union, she began her career in the tire and aerospace sectors. Since relocating to the United States in 1991, she has held leadership roles at Teknor Apex, Precix, Cabot Corporation, SI Group, and Himadri—progressing from process chemist to retiring as Global Vice President of Technical Service.

While working in New England, Dr. Yurovska completed her MBA in International Business and Finance at Bryant University. Her career has taken her across the U.S. and internationally, visiting tire and rubber plants, engaging with customers and suppliers, and mentoring rubber chemists worldwide.

Dr. Irene Yurovska is the author of many professional publications, and she holds more than 80 patents and patent applications covering polymer compounding, rubber ingredients, testing, and processes. Her research and innovations have significantly advanced the understanding of polymer applications and rubber technology.

Now based in Texas, she leads her consulting firm, YIGlobal, and she has been recognized as both a “Woman Breaking the Mold” and a national “Rubber Industry Legend.” Actively involved in the ACS Rubber Division, she serves on its Executive Committee and as Alternate Counselor to the American Chemical Society.

 

About IISRP  The IISRP is an international not-for-profit trade association with over 44 corporate members, domiciled in 16 countries, who produce 70 percent of the world's supply of synthetic rubber. Incorporated in 1960 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, the Institute supports section offices in Milan, Tokyo, and Beijing.