Chemistry awards in biggest overhaul for 150 years
We have announced the biggest shake up to our awards portfolio in 150 years. The 2020 refocus of recognition follows extensive consultation with our community and will see greater emphasis placed on exceptional science, with a rationalisation of the prize structure to follow as we modernise our portfolio to more closely reflect how science is carried out today.
Read the report
Currently, more than 80 of the 90 prizes we award are for individuals, but the new structure will result in more opportunities for teams and collaborations to be recognised for their work, as will educators and lab technicians.
Dr Helen Pain, Deputy CEO of the Royal Society of Chemistry, said: "Today’s recognition schemes in science have their roots in the 19th century. While they have been fit for purpose until now, we need to anticipate the needs of a changing world. It is vital we reflect the challenges we face today and that we expect to face in years to come.
"Outstanding science is often a team effort, contrary to the stereotypical image of a solo chemist striving in isolation at their bench. So we’re going to do more to recognise teams; that will include technicians, without whom everything would stop.
"Excellence will remain the first criterion for winning an award. However, we will be shining a light on the many types of excellence and the different facets of diversity that are crucial for modern science."
At the heart of the report is a five point plan in which we commit to:
- Place more emphasis on great science, not just top professors; this includes teams, technicians and multidisciplinary collaborations
- Give greater recognition to the people who teach chemistry and inspire the amazing scientists of the future
- Showcase leaders, regardless of their normal job or role, who go above and beyond to break down barriers in the chemical sciences and open up new and extraordinary opportunities in science
- Celebrate the scientific breakthroughs that transform our understanding of the world and solve major issues like climate change
- Set conduct expectations and revoke prizes when those expectations are not met
Detailed plans for how we will revamp our recognition structure will be unveiled next year, including new ways to recognise leadership in science and engagement with public and policymakers.
We will also detail how exciting advances in scientific research that help us improve our understanding of the world and tackle challenges such as climate change, energy and health will be highlighted and celebrated.
Solving problems, inspiring excellence
The independent review was carried out by a panel chaired by Professor Jeremy Sanders, Professor of Chemistry at the University of Cambridge.He said: “Traditionally, I had thought prizes were for the benefit of the individual. I now realise there are other primary purposes. For example, they can be used as a vehicle to help society to understand why chemistry and science are important. They can also encourage scientists to solve societal problems, and to inspire excellence in research standards.
“In carrying out the review, it was clear more recognition for teams was required. Science breakthroughs come more often from teams than from individuals. Breakthroughs also come from unconventional or unexpected places. It’s important we recognise both these aspects.”
Deirdre Black, Royal Society of Chemistry Head of Research & Innovation said: “Since our ancestors painted stars on cave walls we have been curious to understand our universe. Science enriches our lives, revealing new insights about our world and tackling real challenges like averting an antibiotic apocalypse or combatting climate change. We should use science prizes to celebrate science, for the scientific community itself and for the society it serves.”
The reforms follow an extensive review of our awards portfolio – the first since 2008 – and follows extensive consultation with the chemical sciences community, which included consulting more than 2,000 people via surveys, interviews and workshops.
The review also covered literature on recognition, as well as data and perspectives captured from winners, judges, members, Royal Society of Chemistry staff, and the wider community since our last review of prizes and awards in 2008.