The Lord Lewis Prize recognised distinctive and distinguished chemical or scientific achievements, together with significant contributions to the development of science policy. The prize was established in 2008 thanks to a generous donation from Johnson Matthey, marking the contributions of Professor Jack Lewis to both chemistry research and to science policy.
Lord Lewis' academic career began at the University of London where he gained his BSc, followed by the completion of a PhD at the University of Nottingham. He was appointed as a lecturer at Sheffield University (1954-56), continuing at Imperial College London (1957-61) and then reader and lecturer at UCL (1957-61). Professorships in Chemistry followed at the University of Manchester, UCL and the University of Cambridge, where he also became the first warden of Robinson College.
Lord Lewis's research resulted in significant developments in the chemistry of the d-transition metals, including in the areas of organometallic and cluster chemistry, and synthesis and characterisation of compounds with new magnetic properties. He received many accolades for his work including the Royal Society's Davy medal (1985) and the Royal Medal (2004).
His positive influence on science policy evolved through his active involvement in numerous committees including, but not limited to, the NATO Scientific Committee, the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution and the Environmental Industries Commission. He received his knighthood in 1982, sat on the Advisory Council for the Campaign for Science and Engineering, and was a member of the House of Lords where he was a member of Select Committees on Science and Technology.
Lord Lewis was President of the Royal Society of Chemistry from 1986-88, and made an Honorary Fellow in 1988. He died in 2014 at the age of 86.
This prize was discontinued in 2024, as part of a series of changes following an independent review of the Royal Society of Chemistry's recognition programmes.
We would like to thank Johnson Matthey for their generous support that enabled the creation and initial running of the prize.
Find out more about:
Lord Lewis Prize winners
| Year | Name | Institution | Citation |
|
2022 |
Professor Alastair Lewis |
University of York and National Centre for Atmospheric Science |
For the promotion and application of the chemical sciences to support development of evidence-based policy and regulation in the fields of air pollution and climate change. |
|
2020 |
Professor Vernon Gibson |
University of Manchester, University of Oxford and Imperial College London |
Awarded for seminal contributions to fundamental and applied inorganic chemistry, and for critical work in policy setting at the interface of academia with industry and government. |
|
2018 |
Professor Luis Oro |
University of Zaragoza-CSIC |
Awarded for extensive contributions to organometallic chemistry and influence towards the development of science and funding policy Europe-wide. |
|
2016 |
Professor Sir Martyn Poliakoff |
University of Nottingham |
Awarded for his original studies of the chemical applications of supercritical fluids and for work in the development of science policy, nationally, within the EU and globally. |
|
2014 |
Professor Sir John Holman |
University of York |
Awarded for recognition of his extensive influence over chemistry education policy. |
|
2012 |
Professor Sir David King |
Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment |
Awarded for his seminal contribution to physical chemistry and his outstanding record as UK Chief Scientific Advisor to UK Government and Head of the Government Office for Science, 2000-2007. |
|
2010 |
Sir John Cadogan CBE |
Fusion Antibodies Ltd |
Awarded in recognition of his distinguished research in organic chemistry and his wide-ranging, distinctive and significant contributions in industry and public service. |
|
2008 |
Lord Robert May |
University of Oxford |
Awarded for recognition of distinctive and distinguished chemical or scientific achievements, together with significant contributions to the development of science policy. |
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