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Nyholm Prize for Inorganic Chemistry

Status Discontinued

Prizes archive

We have recognised excellence in the chemical sciences for more than 150 years and we are proud of this legacy and history.

This prize is part of our archive that holds a digital library of our previously administered prizes, their history, and previous winners.

The Nyholm Prize for Inorganic Chemistry was founded in 1974. Between 1974 and 2020, this was awarded to an individual for outstanding contributions to inorganic chemistry.

The prize was established to commemorate the life and work of Sir Ronald Nyholm, president of the Chemical Society from 1968 to 1970. Sir Nyholm, 1917-1971, was born in New South Wales, Australia and his work centred on coordination (metal complex) chemistry, particular on arsines as ligands.  Alongside his research activities in this area, he was also an ardent campaigner for the improvement of science education.  He undertook roles as a chemistry teacher and lecturer in various institutions in both the UK and Australia. Whilst involved with the Royal Society of Chemistry, he played a large and leading role in the launch of RSC journal Education in Chemistry.

The Prize was formerly known as the Sir Ronald Nyholm Lectureship and was awarded by the Education and Dalton Division in alternate years. The Nyholm Prize for Education continues to reward outstanding achievement in the field of education.

In 2020, as part of a series of changes resulting from an independent review of the Royal Society of Chemistry's recognition programmes, this prize merged with the Ludwig Mond Award to form the Mond-Nyholm Prize for Inorganic Chemistry. 

Previous winners

  • 2020 - Professor Martin Schröder
  • 2018 - Professor Stephen Mann
  • 2016 - Professor George Christou
  • 2014 - Professor Thomas Rauchfuss
  • 2012 - Professor Anthony Cheetham
  • 2010 - Malcolm Chisholm
  • 2009/10 - Guy Bertrand
  • 2007/08 - Professor A Guy Orpen
  • 2005/06 - Professor Robin N Perutz
  • 2003/04 - Professor Pierre Braunstein
  • 2001/02 - Professor Jon A McCleverty
  • 1999/00 - K Vrieze 
  • 1997/98 - R J Puddephatt 
  • 1995/96 - B Bosnich 
  • 1993/94 - M F Lappert 
  • 1991/92 - M A Bennett 
  • 1989/90 - R J H Clark 
  • 1987/88 - R Hoffmann 
  • 1985/86 - L F Dahl 
  • 1983/84 - A M Sargeson 
  • 1982/83 - F A Cotton 
  • 1980/81 - E O Fischer 
  • 1978/79 - R J Gillespie 
  • 1976/77 - J Chatt 
  • 1974/75 - J Lewis