RSC launches nominations for 2014 AkzoNobel UK Science Award

The Royal Society of Chemistry has launched the nomination process for the 2014 AkzoNobel UK Science Award. The recipient will receive an award of £50,000.

To be presented in March next year, this prestigious UK science award recognises the vital role that scientists play in advancing chemistry and material sciences research, with proven or potential significant benefits for society. 

RSC President Professor Lesley Yellowlees is chair of the prize selection committee and is delighted to be amongst the judges on such a significant award. She said: "The fact that the recipient of this prize will be someone whose work benefits us all across society is fantastic.   

"Innovation and research are fundamentally important areas for the UK and the global community, so the Royal Society of Chemistry are proud to be involved in supporting excellence in research that genuinely makes a difference to create a more sustainable future.

"We are equally pleased to continue in partnership with AkzoNobel, whose support will go a long way to helping realise some hugely valuable research."

Graeme Armstrong, AkzoNobel's Corporate Director of Research, Development and Innovation, explains that AkzoNobel is providing the scientific scope, nomination guidelines and funding for the award programme, while the RSC is independently managing the nomination process and selection of the recipient to establish integrity for the award. 

He said: "The search is on to find someone of great standing in their field; someone who reflects our own position of being a leader in innovation through research excellence and whose work addresses a real societal need. Our first award went to Professor Peter Bruce, Professor of Chemistry at St Andrews University, for his in-depth work in energy storage, via lithium-air and lithium ion batteries."

Professor Bruce explains that he was both surprised and delighted to be the first recipient of this prestigious award. He said: "It's genuinely gratifying to be recognised by my peers for my contribution to science.

"It's important to say that the award recognises my research group not just  me - today, research is not carried out in isolation, our work is a good example of something that relies on a team effort.
"An important benefit of receiving the prize is that it brings research on energy materials to the notice of a wider audience. I hope, as people flick through the pages of Chemistry World, for example, they will be able to share some of the excitement I feel for this field of research. 

"Like most scientists I'm driven by curiosity and a desire to understand the natural world - However, I've always found it stimulating to working in an area with such tangible benefits for society, so the fact that this prize rewards that aspect of my work is hugely satisfying".

The AkzoNobel Science Award was first bestowed in the Netherlands in 1970. It has since been extended to include Sweden (1999), China (2010), the UK (2012) and North America (2013). 

Nominations

Nominations for the 2014 AkzoNobel UK Science Award are being sought online via the RSC's website between 1 June 2013, and 15 October 2013. 

The Award winner will be announced in March 2014 and honoured during a special event at the RSC's Chemistry Centre in Burlington House, London.