Dr Stephen Thomas MRSC

Winner: 2021 Organic Division mid-career Award: MSD Award

University of Edinburgh

For the development and creative applications of novel methods to enable catalysis, using organometallic-free activation of first-row transition metal and main-group pre-catalysts.

Celebrate Dr Stephen Thomas

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Teamwork, communication and honesty are essential for good science. We are better when we are challenged and pushed by those around us.

Dr Thomas's research group aims to make the future of chemical synthesis sustainable by replacing the precious and scarce metals currently used in these processes with the earth’s most abundant resources (e.g. iron and aluminium). To do this, they have introduced a suite of tools and methods that allow unreactive metals to be used as catalysts for industrial and academically relevant transformations.

Read winner biography

Dr Stephen Thomas was born in Canada and moved to the UK at a young age. After state education in Somerset, Stephen carried out his MChem at Cardiff University, working with Nick Tomkinson, before moving to Cambridge for his PhD with Stuart Warren. A short postdoc with Andreas Pfaltz in Basel was followed by a fixed-term position at Bristol as research officer for Varinder Aggarwal.

In 2012, Stephen moved to the University of Edinburgh as a Chancellor’s Fellow where he was awarded a Royal Society University Research Fellowship in 2014. Stephen was promoted to Reader in 2017.

Q+A

How did you first become interested in chemistry?

Flashes, bangs and the colour of burning metals at school.

Who or what has inspired you?

Our group. Seeing the development of each of them has been the best inspiration.

What motivates you?

Understanding, and encouraging all of the people I work with to be better than myself.

What advice would you give to a young person considering a career in chemistry?

Work hard, think (and critique your own thinking), look for the positives and do not be swayed by trends.

Why is chemistry important?

Chemistry underpins the advancement of so many areas of science. The ability to make new compounds and enable these syntheses allows the advancement of all areas of science, from pharmaceutical development and biological probes to materials development and energy storage.

What has been a challenge for you (either personally or in your career)?

Aside from journal/grant knock-backs, focusing on our work and our chemistry, not what others are doing or how this is perceived.

Why do you think teamwork is important in science?

Teamwork, communication and honesty are essential for good science. We are better when we are challenged and pushed by those around us.