Jonathan Reid, Professor of Physical Chemistry in the School of Chemistry, has received the honour in recognition of his pioneering work advancing our knowledge of the roles aerosols play in our atmosphere, in the airborne transmission of disease and in the delivery of drugs to the lungs.
Professor Reid is the director of both the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Aerosol Science and the Bristol Aerosol Research Centre. His group has developed innovative techniques to isolate and manipulate individual particles using light or charge, and study their physical and chemical transformations using optical and spectroscopic tools.
Professor Reid’s studies of aerosols have provided important insights into the viscosity and surface tension of liquid droplets, the mass and heat transfer occurring during evaporation or condensation, and the rates of heterogeneous chemistry. Alongside this, he has led human studies of exhaled aerosols, leading to a better understanding of aerosol-generating procedures in clinical practice. His work has also clarified the factors that regulate the airborne survival of bacteria and viruses.
Professor Reid said: "I am honoured to be elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society for the contribution I have made to understanding aerosols and airborne particles. I have had the privilege of working with some wonderful collaborators over my career, many of them in Bristol, and their contributions have been absolutely key to the advances we have made."
His research achievements have been recognised by the award of the Royal Society of Chemistry Harrison Memorial Prize (2001), Marlow Medal (2004), Corday-Morgan Prize (2013) and Tilden Prize (2021), and the Sinclar Award from the American Association for Aerosol Research (2025).
Professor Reid is one of 90 outstanding researchers from across the world elected to the Fellowship of the Royal Society this year.
Sir Paul Nurse, President of the Royal Society and Chancellor of the University of Bristol, said: “I am delighted to welcome this newest group of exceptional scientists to the Fellowship of the Royal Society. Their contributions reflect the highest standards of scientific endeavour. Whether advancing our understanding of vaccines or exploring the transformative potential of mathematics and computation, their work exemplifies the enduring value of curiosity, creativity and rigorous inquiry.
“Our Fellowship is strengthened not only by individual distinction, but by the diversity of perspectives and experiences its members bring. This incoming cohort highlights the truly international character of contemporary science and underscores the vital role that plays in achieving breakthroughs that benefit us all.”