Royal Society Recognition For Two ‘Outstanding’ Scientists

Two University of Nottingham scientists have been recognised for their excellence by the Royal Society, the UK’s national academy of science, which celebrates its 350th anniversary this year. Emeritus Professor Bryan Clarke FRS, in the School of Biology and Professor Martyn Poliakoff FRS, in the School of Chemistry, are named in the 2010 Royal Society Awards, Medals, Royal Medals and Lectures which were announced in June. The awards are given to scientists in recognition of achievement in a wide variety of fields of research – the uniting factor is the excellence of their work and the profound implications their findings have had for others working in their relevant fields and wider society.

Professor Clarke receives the Royal Society’s Darwin Medal for his original and influential contributions to our understanding of the genetic basis of evolution. The Darwin medal is given biennially in reward for work of acknowledged distinction in the broad area of biology in which Charles Darwin worked.

Professor Clarke, said: “At its best, science is a cooperative effort, and I’ve been very lucky to be in the Institute of Genetics, where so many kind and clever people have made it such a splendid place to work.”

Professor Clarke jointly founded the Frozen Ark project to preserve the DNA of endangered species worldwide.

Professor Martyn Poliakoff is awarded the Royal Society’s Leverhulme Medal for his outstanding contributions in the fields of Green Chemistry and supercritical fluids by the application of chemistry to advance chemical engineering processes. This award is given triennially for an outstandingly significant contribution in the field of pure or applied chemistry and engineering, including chemical engineering.

Professor Poliakoff, said: “I am delighted and humbled by this award. I believe that it testifies to the quality of the research by my colleagues in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at the University that has created an environment in which my own research group can flourish. It is also a tribute to the dedication and hard work of all my co-workers and our technical staff.”