Manchester’s Professor Anthony Green and Professor Rahul Nair, and Cambridge’s Professor Sam Stranks were honoured at a black-tie gala dinner and award ceremony in London, on 27 February 2024
Now in its seventh year, the awards are the largest unrestricted prizes available to UK scientists aged 42 or younger. The awards recognise research that is transforming medicine, technology and our understanding of the world.
Royce Chief Scientist, Professor Philip Withers, who attended the Awards said:
“Congratulations to all three recipients. It is fantastic to see their pioneering work in the areas of 2D Materials, Chemical Materials Design and Atoms to Devices recognised, materials research that supports a cleaner, greener and more sustainable future.”
This year’s Laureates were selected by an independent jury of expert scientists from across the UK.
Anthony Green, Royce Technology Platform Lead and Professor and Lecturer in Organic Chemistry at the The University of Manchester, was named the Chemical Sciences Laureate for his discoveries in designing and engineering new enzymes, with valuable catalytic functions previously unknown in nature that address societal needs.
Rahul Nair, Professor of Materials Physics at The University of Manchester, whose research is supported by Royce capability, was named Laureate in Physical Sciences & Engineering for developing novel membranes based on two-dimensional (2D) materials that will enable energy-efficient separation and filtration technologies.
Sam Stranks, Professor of Optoelectronics at Royce Partner University of Cambridge’s Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, also received an award for his research into the development of novel techniques to uncover how of the key materials used in high-efficiency solar cells behaves under a variety of conditions.
About the Awards
Internationally recognised by the scientific community, the Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists are instrumental in expanding the engagement and recognition of young scientists and provide the support and encouragement needed to drive scientific innovation for the next generation.
Sir Leonard Blavatnik, Founder and Chairman of Access Industries and Head of the Blavatnik Family Foundation, said:
“Providing recognition and funding early in a scientist’s career can make the difference between discoveries that remain in the lab and those that make transformative scientific breakthroughs.
“We are proud that the Awards have promoted both UK science and the careers of many brilliant young scientists and we look forward to their additional discoveries in the years ahead.”
Watch the winners tell their fantastic stories here!
Finalist: Professor Samuel D. Stranks[youtu.be], University of Cambridge
Finalist: Professor Samuel D. Stranks[youtu.be]
Laureate: Professor Rahul R. Nair[youtu.be], The University of Manchester
