Scientist at The University of Warwick wins prestigious Royal Society of Chemistry Prize

Dr Alexander Baker, from the University of Warwick, has been named winner of the Royal Society of Chemistry's Early Career Prize for Excellence in Higher Education in recognition of brilliance in chemistry education.

Dr Baker won the prize for exceptional inspiration of students, encouraging them to challenge, develop and grow their scientific passion, receiving £3000, a medal and a certificate.

Alexander's work has sought to increase access to chemistry in universities and deliver a chemistry curriculum that better reflects chemistry globally. This is reflected in his research, which aims to provide therapeutics and diagnosis for neglected tropical diseases.

Dr Baker said, "It was really heartwarming. I teach and research in a space that is often overlooked by mainstream science, so it was refreshing to have my work in trying to encourage, develop and challenge students to look beyond their own circumstances recognised."

The Royal Society of Chemistry's prizes have recognised excellence in the chemical sciences for more than 150 years. Dr Baker joins a prestigious list of past winners in the RSC's prize portfolio, 60 of whom have gone on to win Nobel Prizes for their work, including 2022 Nobel Laureate Carolyn Bertozzi and 2019 Nobel laureate John B Goodenough.

Dr Helen Pain, Chief Executive of the Royal Society of Chemistry, said,"The chemical sciences are at the forefront of tackling a range of challenges facing our world. From fundamental chemistry to cutting-edge innovations, the work that chemical scientists do has an important role to play in building our future.

"The inspiration, innovation and dedication of those who work in education is fundamental to the progress of the chemical sciences - shaping the future and setting our young people up to tackle the challenges and the opportunities facing our society and our planet.

"Dr Baker's work demonstrates an outstanding commitment to chemistry education, and it is our honour to celebrate their considerable contribution."

The Excellence in Education Prizes celebrate inspirational, innovative, and dedicated people working in primary, secondary, further education and higher education - including teachers, technicians and more. These prizes recognise a wide range of skills - from curriculum design to effective teaching, and from personal development to working culture. This category includes specific prizes for teams and for those in the early stages of their career.

For more information about the RSC's prizes portfolio, visit rsc.li/prizes.

NOTES FOR EDITORS:

Rewarding Excellence and Gaining Recognition

The Royal Society of Chemistry's Prizes portfolio is one of the oldest and most prestigious in the world, recognising achievements by individuals, teams and organisations in advancing the chemical sciences. We reward those undertaking excellent work in the chemical sciences from across the world.

More information is available at: rsc.li/prizes.

About the Royal Society of Chemistry

We are an international organisation connecting chemical scientists with each other, with other scientists, and with society as a whole. Founded in 1841 and based in London, UK, we have an international membership of over 50,000. We use the surplus from our global publishing and knowledge business to give thousands of chemical scientists the support and resources required to make vital advances in chemical knowledge. We develop, recognise and celebrate professional capabilities, and we bring people together to spark new ideas and new partnerships. We support teachers to inspire future generations of scientists, and we speak up to influence the people making decisions that affect us all. We are a catalyst for the chemistry that enriches our world.

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