St Andrews chemist wins prestigious Royal Society of Chemistry Award

University of St Andrews chemist, Professor Andrew Smith, is the Royal Society of Chemistry Charles Rees Award winner for 2018.

The Charles Rees Award is awarded for the development of organocatalysis methodology to synthesise new heterocyclic ring systems. Professor Smith receives £2000 and a medal, and will deliver a lecture at the Lakeland Symposium, Grasmere.

Professor Smith (pictured right), from the School of Chemistry, develops catalytic methods that are used to improve the synthesis of useful molecules in industrial processes.

Professor Smith said: “It is a great privilege to receive the Charles Rees Award, especially considering the calibre of current research in this field and the previous recipients of this award. I feel this award acknowledges the importance that innovative catalysis plays in synthetic heterocyclic chemistry, and highlights the hard work carried out by my research group in driving this area forward. I look forward to sharing highlights from our progress in the next year and in particular at the Lakeland Symposium in Grasmere.”

Dr Robert Parker, Chief Executive of the Royal Society of Chemistry, said: “The chemical sciences are vital for the wellbeing of our world and chemical scientists help to change people’s lives for the better. That’s why we’re so proud to celebrate the innovation and expertise of our community through our Prizes and Awards.

“This year’s inspiring and influential winners come from a range of specialisms, backgrounds, countries and communities. Each has done their bit to advance excellence in the chemical sciences – to improve the lives of people around the world now and in the future.”

Royal Society of Chemistry winners are recognised for the originality and impact of their research, or for their contributions to the chemical sciences industry or chemistry education. The Awards also acknowledge the importance of teamwork across the chemical sciences, and the abilities of individuals to develop successful collaborations.

An illustrious list of 50 previous winners of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Awards have gone on to win Nobel Prizes for their pioneering work, including 2016 Nobel laureates Jean-Pierre Sauvage, Fraser Stoddart and Ben Feringa.

Rewarding Excellence and Gaining Recognition

The Royal Society of Chemistry’s Prizes and Awards recognise achievements by individuals, teams and organisations in advancing the chemical sciences. The RSC rewards those undertaking excellent work in the chemical sciences from across the world.

There are over 80 Prizes and Awards in the RSC’s main portfolio, all of which aim to accurately reflect the broad scope of achievement in the field of chemistry.

More information is available online.

Charles Rees Award

The Charles Rees Award is to reward excellence in the field of heterocyclic chemistry. The award covers the synthesis, properties and applications of all types of heterocyclic compounds.

The Royal Society of Chemistry

The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) is the world’s leading chemistry community, advancing excellence in the chemical sciences. With over 50,000 members and a knowledge business that spans the globe, the RSC is the UK’s professional body for chemical scientists; a not-for-profit organisation with 175 years of history and an international vision for the future. The RSC promotes, supports and celebrates chemistry, working to shape the future of the chemical sciences – for the benefit of science and humanity.

Professor Andrew Smith is Director of the CRITICAT CDT in Catalysis, a joint initiative by St Andrews, Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt Universities.

Photographs are available via Dropbox.

Issued by the University of St Andrews Communications Office. Contact Christine Tudhope on 01334 467 320, 07526 624 243 or [email protected].