Our 2021 Research & Innovation Prize winners

For contributions to leaky waveguides for chemical and biological sensing.

For contributions to the field of surface enhanced spatially offset Raman scattering (SESORRS).  

For the invention and development of the optoelectronic nose and important contributions to artificial olfaction as an analytical technique.

For creative applications of alkyne chemistry in synthesis and label-free Raman imaging in cells.

For unconventional lithographic structuring of applied materials and advanced nanoplatforms for optical spectroscopy.

For seminal contributions to our fundamental understanding of the electronic properties of organic materials for electronics and photonics, and for excellence in communication.

For the innovative design and synthesis of organic molecules and nanomaterials to advance biomedical research and applications, and for excellence in communication.

For the discovery of “Frustrated Lewis Pairs” and their wide applicability in bond-forming and catalysis, and for excellence in communication.

For notable contributions to the process development of two novel HIV drugs whilst delivering inclusion and diversity programmes and leadership development activities.

For contributions to the field of posttranslational modifications, especially the use of protein chemistry to gain insight into molecular mechanisms of epigenetics processes and cancer.

For the development of bioinspired and transformative synthetic probes and their application to the targeting and regulation of cellular processes in both mammalian and plant cells.

For the development of NMR-based methods to characterize protein assembly, aggregation and amyloidosis.

For the creation of UK businesses that are globally recognised for innovating speciality polymers employing green chemistry principles.

For the development of chemistry-led approaches to interrogate function in chemistry, materials and medicine.

For the discovery of efficient photocatalysts for clean and renewable fuel synthesis.

For the development and application of novel spectroscopic methods to probe the fundamental physical chemistry underpinning electron-molecule reactions.

For innovation in aspects of medicinal chemistry and strategic leadership in drug discovery method development.

For contributions to the advancements in homo- and hetero-metallic catalysis for sustainable polymerisation chemistry.

For contributions to the application of metals in biological sensing and medical imaging.

For contributions to the chemistry of reactive low-oxidation-state main-group molecules, including their applications in catalysis.

For the development of stable porous materials for the capture and conversion of NOx and SOx.

For research on the environmental fate of systemic pesticides, influencing global pesticide regulation for sustainable agriculture.

For discoveries and innovation in materials, manufacturing and recycling of lithium- and sodium-ion batteries.

For pioneering contributions in exploration of the nano–bio interface, providing fundamental insights into the fate of nanomaterials in biota and the environment.

For the development of novel experimental techniques and computational modelling to study reactive collisions at extremely low temperatures.

For exploiting multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, combined with first-principles calculations, to probe local structure and chemical reactivity in inorganic materials.

For contributions to the development of multireference quantum chemical approaches to describe catalysis and excited state phenomena.

For contributions in applying experimental and advanced computational methods to understand the magnetic and electronic properties of molecules.

For introducing multidisciplinary approaches to rationalise complex (bio)chemical reaction mechanisms, guiding rational molecular design.

For the development of traditional and sustainable catalytic processes using heterogeneous catalysts.

For the creation of a sustained partnership which has driven a culture of research and training excellence, and created a flow of skilled personnel to enhance capabilities within the sector.

For combining autonomous robotics, artificial intelligence and chemistry to discover materials with new properties.

For contributions to understanding degradation processes in archaeological materials, cultural heritage science and conservation.

For contributions to materials modelling of conducting oxides.

For studies of structural complexity in framework materials.

For contributions to supramolecular chemistry and nanoscience, in particular the invention and development of methods for nanolithography, high-area rapid printing, and photocontrol in nanoparticle synthesis.

For the development of reagents and strategies for site-selective protein modification to enable targeted therapy, imaging and diagnostics.

For the development and creative applications of novel methods to enable catalysis, using organometallic-free activation of first-row transition metal and main-group pre-catalysts.

For the development of asymmetric photocatalytic methodologies based on excited state intermediates.

For process innovation in novel drug development, transforming manufacturing route designs with improved sustainability.

For pioneering research on main group and organometallic chemistry. 

For pioneering studies of the chemical and physical properties of micron-scale aerosol particles, and their impact in atmospheric, health, analytical and formulation sciences.

For work in the understanding, control and application of the assembly of molecular materials in the crystal and gel state.

For contributions to sustainable polymer chemistry.