A new 2,6-diaminopyridine-functionalized SG1-based alkoxyamine has been synthesized and used to prepare a well-defined functional copolymer (poly(styrene-co-2-vinyl-4,4-dimethyl-5-oxazolone) - poly(S-co-VDM)) by nitroxide mediated polymerization. After post-modification of the copolymer with an atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) ligand (N,N-dipicolyl propylamine), the macroligand was successfully used for the homogeneous ATRP of methyl methacrylate (MMA) leading to a controlled polymerization process. The ATRP of the same monomer was also investigated with the macroligand being reversibly immobilized via hydrogen bonding onto thymine-functionalized silica nanoparticles. The ATRP of MMA involving the supported-catalyst was also effective leading to a good control over the polymerization as observed with the free macroligand and producing polymers with very low dispersity (< 1.2). After separation of the supported catalyst by centrifugation, the amount of residual catalyst in the resulting polymers was determined. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.