PROFESSOR George Christou, who works at the University of Florida, is the Royal Society of Chemistry Nyholm Prize for Inorganic Chemistry winner for 2016.
Christou, who was born in Limassol, before moving to London, is now the Drago Chair of Chemistry at the University of Florida. The prize is awarded for outstanding contributions to inorganic chemistry.
Christou synthesises molecules that can function as nanoscale magnets, providing an important alternative route to such materials, according to an announcement.
Magnetic molecules also bring advantages such as solubility and crystallinity to the field, and have allowed new properties to be discovered that are important to their application in new 21st century technologies such as quantum computing and spintronics.
“I am extremely pleased and honoured to be selected to receive the Nyholm Prize for Inorganic Chemistry. Ronald Nyholm was a name I heard often during my student years, from staff members who had known him,” said Christou.
“He was highly respected for his contributions both to inorganic research and to science education, and was one of my own role models as I committed myself to a career spanning both as well. I therefore look forward with great pride to my lecture tour as the Nyholm Prize awardee. It will be a special time for me.”
Dr Robert Parker, chief executive of the Royal Society of Chemistry said: “It is an honour to recognise the illustrious achievements of our prize and award winners in our 175th anniversary year.
“We were founded in 1841 by a group of academics, industrialists and doctors who understood the power of the chemical sciences to change our world for the better. Our winners share that vision and are advancing excellence in their fields, whether through innovative research or inspirational teaching and outreach.
Prize winners are evaluated for the originality and impact of their research, as well as the quality of the results which can be shown in publications, patents, or even software. The awards also recognise the importance of teamwork across the chemical sciences, and the abilities of individuals to develop successful collaborations.
The Royal Society of Chemistry’s Prizes and Awards recognise achievements by individuals, teams and organisations in advancing the chemical sciences. There are over 60 Prizes and Awards available in the main portfolio, covering all areas of the chemical sciences.
A list of 47 previous winners of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Awards have gone on to win Nobel Prizes for their pioneering work, including Harry Kroto, Fred Sanger and Linus Pauling.
The Royal Society of Chemistry is the oldest chemical society in the world and in 2016 is celebrating 175 years.
With over 50,000 members and a knowledge business that spans the globe, it is the UK’s not-for-profit professional body for chemical scientists.
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