Dr Mélanie Roffet-Salque, Associate Professor in Environmental Chemistry won the RSC Analytical Science mid-career Prize. Dr Roffet-Salque is an analytical chemist whose research addresses fundamental questions relating to human-environment interactions in the past, while also unravelling complex chemical pathways in modern systems. Dr Roffet-Salque said: “Being an analytical chemist working in a highly interdisciplinary environment, at the interface between archaeology, climate science, genetics, and veterinary sciences to name a few – I am deeply humbled to be chosen to receive this award.”
Andrew Orr-Ewing, Professor in the School of Chemistry, has been named winner of the RSC’s Faraday Lectureship Prize, for his groundbreaking research into how chemical reactions happen. His research laboratory contains modern laser systems that can generate pulses of light short enough to take snapshots of some of the fastest processes that occur in chemistry, including breaking and making of chemical bonds. They are applying this technology to study how the molecules in small organic and aqueous aerosol particles present in the lower atmosphere are affected by exposure to sunlight, with implications for environmental pollution, air quality and the Earth’s climate.
On receiving the prize, Professor Orr-Ewing said: “As a longstanding member and Fellow of the RSC, and an enthusiastic participant in RSC events that strengthen the UK research community, I was both honoured and delighted to receive this award.”
David Fermin, Professor of Electrochemistry has been awarded the RSC’s Geoffrey Barker Medal. His work has helped shape contemporary understanding of compound semiconductor electrodes and nanostructured metal oxides.
Professor Fermin said: “I am deeply honoured and sincerely grateful to the RSC Electrochemistry Committee for this wonderful recognition. The UK remains a global powerhouse in electrochemistry, with a large and vibrant community of innovators across universities, research organisations, and industry. I feel extremely fortunate to be part of this community and to contribute to its growth by doing what I enjoy most: discovering new knowledge alongside exceptionally talented colleagues, students, and technicians.”