Chemistry professionals recognised for their work

Small businesses, individuals and research groups are recognised for outstanding achievements in entrepreneurship, innovation, outreach, applied science and technical skills at our flagship event for the chemistry-using industry, Chemistry Means Business.

During the two-day event delegates had the opportunity to attend workshops and panel discussions, and network with university entrepreneurs, investors, and senior representatives from small and multinational companies.

Picture: © Royal Society of Chemistry

Industry and Technology Awards

The event saw the presentation of our annual Industry & Technology Awards. The award winners, who all work for companies in the chemistry-using industry, are chosen by a panel of senior scientists and executives from industry.

Our Head of Industry, Dr Steve Pleasance, presented the winners with their awards at an awards ceremony on 15 June. The evening was introduced by our president, Professor Dominic Tildesley, and hosted by television personality Hugh Dennis.

Winners are selected for their contribution to innovation and commercial success, as well as their impact in the industry, in the early stages of their career.

Awards were presented in eight categories relating to industry and technology Picture: © Royal Society of Chemistry

Specific awards recognise the importance of vocational roles, such as technicians and apprentices, and teamwork awards recognise successful collaborations between industry and academia.

Presenting the awards, Steve Pleasance said: “Ten years ago, we created the Industry and Technology Awards to recognise outstanding achievements by chemists working in industry – our very own chemistry Oscars! This year we received a record number of nominations, of an exceptionally high standard.

“Our short-listed nominees come from companies of all different sizes, from start-ups to major multinationals, and they span a whole range of sectors, from pharmaceuticals to the nuclear industry. Wherever they work, they all have something in common – they have made outstanding contributions to our field, and it’s a great honour to present these eight awards.”

Emerging Technologies Competition

Meanwhile the event also included the final of our Emerging Technologies Competition, our annual innovation competition aimed at universities, research institutions and small companies. 40 finalists pitched their ideas for innovative technology to a panel of expert judges, and first, second and third prize winners were chosen in four categories: healthcare and wellbeing, energy and environment, food and water, and materials.

Applications were judged on the degree of innovation of the technology, its potential impact, and the quality of the science behind it. Winning entries will receive tailored business support from one of our partner companies, media support, and a cash prize from a prize pot of £100,000.

Steve Pleasance said: "Increasing innovation in the chemical sciences is one of the key elements of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s industry strategy.

"Our Emerging Technologies competition, now in its fourth year and supported by our industry partners, is proving to be highly successful in accelerating the commercialisation of the cutting-edge research taking place in both universities and small companies."

Winning the competition gives businesses and universities the platform they need to make the industry aware of their technology. Since the initiative began in 2013, our winners have gone on to raise a combined total of over £16 million in further funding, grown their companies and entered commercial contracts. One winner sold their company for £28 million one year after winning the competition.