2023 Dalton early career Prize: Sir Edward Frankland Prize Winner
Dr Sebastian Pike, University of Warwick
Awarded for studies on the synthesis and photochemistry of metal-oxo cluster molecules and for their use as precursors to functional materials.
Metal oxide materials are used in a multitude of modern applications, from sun creams and paints, to state-of-the-art self-cleaning windows and antibacterial surfaces for next-generation medical devices. Many of these applications stem from the ability of metal oxides to absorb light and use this energy to direct chemical reactions.
Dr Pike’s research investigates molecular versions of metal oxide materials and studies how their properties may be optimised by carefully tuning their size, composition, and surface chemistry. These molecules act as tiny reactive centres that absorb light and can catalyse reactions. Their precise, atomically defined structures, makes them easier to study and understand than larger metal oxide materials that have a more complicated surface. The ability to precisely tune properties (for instance, to absorb the maximum amount of visible light whilst still driving the required chemical transformation), will be essential for the design of next-generation materials that can efficiently use solar energy to produce fuels and useful chemicals.
| Year | Name | Institution | Citation |
| 2022 | Dr Ruth Webster MRSC | University of Bath | For outstanding research including mechanistic elucidation of iron-catalysed, atom-efficient transformations of main group elements. |
| 2021 | Dr Jennifer Garden | University of Edinburgh | Awarded for contributions to the advancements in homo- and hetero-metallic catalysis for sustainable polymerisation chemistry. |
| 2019 | Dr Alison Parkin | University of York | Awarded for advancing the understanding of the molecular basis of oxygen tolerance in hydrogenases, relevant to their medical significance. |
| 2017 |
Professor Aidan McDonald | Trinity College Dublin | Awarded for discoveries made towards understanding the reactivity properties of high-valent late transitional metal oxidants, and towards the functionalisation of 2D nanomaterials through simple coordination chemistry techniques. |
| 2015 | Dr Scott Dalgarno | Heriot-Watt University | Awarded for his work in supramolecular coordination chemistry, in particular the synthesis and properties of d-block calixarene compounds with applications in molecular nanomagnetism |
| 2013 | Dr Richard Layfield | University of Manchester | Awarded for his contributions to organometallic chemistry, and in particular, his pioneering work on magnetic studies of organo-lanthanide complexes. |
| 2011 | Dr Stephen Liddle | University of Nottingham | Awarded for his contributions to f-element chemistry. |
| 2009 | Euan Brechin | University of Edinburgh | Awarded for his work on the design, synthesis and properties of metal coordination complexes that enhances our understanding of d-block molecular nanomagnets. |
| 2008/09 | Polly Arnold | University of Edinburgh |
Awarded for her development of new chemistry of the f-elements, especially with carbene ligands. |
| 2006/07 |
Dr Robin B Bedford | University of Bristol | Awarded for his extensive contributions to the understanding of mechanistic chemistry relevant to homogeneous catalysis involving, particularly, C-C bond-forming reactions and C-H bond activation. |
| 2004/05 |
Dr Mike J Hannon | University of Warwick | Awarded for his significant and original contributions to coordination and supramolecular chemistry, including the synthesis of chiral complexes that bond selectively to the major groove of DNA and induce intramolecular coiling. |
| 2002/03 |
Dr M W George | University of Nottingham | |
| 2000/01 |
M D Ward | ||
| 1998/99 |
P Mountford | ||
| 1996/97 | D M O'Hare | ||
| 1994/95 | D W Bruce | ||
| 1992/93 | V C Gibson | ||
| 1990/91 | J D Woollins | ||
| 1988/89 | F G N Cloke | ||
| 1986/87 | M J Winter | ||
| 1984/85 | D J Cole-Hamilton |
Re-thinking recognition: Science prizes for the modern world
This report is the result of an independent review of our recognition programmes. Our aim in commissioning this review was to ensure that our recognition portfolio continues to deliver the maximum impact for chemical scientists, chemistry and society.