Tuesday, 10 June 2025
A trio of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ professors have been recognised for their contributions to sustainable chemistry with an award from the European Chemical Society (EuChemS).
ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Professors Pete Licence, Sir Martyn Poliakoff and Mike George were awarded the
The award recognises individuals or groups who make an outstanding contribution to sustainable development by applying green and sustainable chemistry, and who promote innovation in chemistry and chemicals that will deliver clear improvements in the sustainable production and use of chemicals and chemical products. It also recognises work demonstrating that chemistry and chemicals can play a central role in delivering society’s needs, while minimising and solving environmental problems.
The ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ professors are leading scientists in the research of finding less hazardous processes as alternatives to those that are currently used in much of chemical manufacturing. They have also made major innovations in how sustainable chemistry is taught to students at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½. Together, their team has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation in the introduction and applications of alternative reaction techniques in basic chemical processes. Their collaborative efforts have significantly advanced scientific knowledge and provided practical solutions to some of the most pressing environmental challenges.
Professor Pete Licence is the Head of the School of Chemistry at the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ and Director of the GSK Carbon Neutral Laboratories for Green & Sustainable Chemistry, which demonstrates intelligent design and the application of state-of-the-art construction methods, to drive down the environmental costs of chemistry, whilst providing a safe, modern suite of laboratories that would inspire future generations to think creatively and innovate to deliver smarter, better, and more efficient chemical processes.
It’s an honour to receive this award, and very timely given the urgent priority we are placing on driving more action and innovation in sustainable chemistry as outlined in the recent Stockholm Declaration. Whilst myself and my colleagues have been part of a research community that has made great strides in creating sustainable chemistry solutions, there is more to do and we must do it now and make every atom count.
Sir Martyn Poliakoff’s pioneering research has involved applications of supercritical carbon dioxide primarily for developing environmentally benign alternative chemical processes. He is also a passionate science communicator, reaching millions through the "Periodic Videos" YouTube channel, which promotes the importance of chemistry education and sustainability viewpoints.
Myself, Pete and Mike have worked together for many years on finding new ways to approach chemistry without harming the environment, and importantly on finding interesting and exciting ways to educate and equip the next generation of scientists to build on this work further so we can reach the goal of making chemistry wholly sustainable.
Professor Mike George has carried out innovative research in the development of continuous flow techniques using photochemistry, electrochemistry and novel process analysis. His fundamental work promises to change the production of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals, making their manufacturing routes more efficient and environmentally friendly.
Developing new innovations in this field relies on teamwork and drawing on each other’s areas of knowledge and expertise. At ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ we are committed to delivering a range of green chemistry solutions; all of this work relies in teamwork so it’s excellent to have these efforts recognised by this award.
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More information is available from Jane Icke, Media Relations Manager for the Faculty of Science at the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ jane.icke@nottingham.ac.uk
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About the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what’s next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ invests in the city of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ and in future generations of talent. Alongside ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we’re creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.