The Harry Shalgosky Prize for Analytical Chemistry was established in 2009 and recognised outstanding undergraduate students for exceptional performance in analytical chemistry.
The prize was named after the late atomic analytical chemist Harry Shalgosky, chairman of the Environment Group of the Industrial Division (1986-1987) and Vice-President of the Analytical Division (1990-1992).
Shalgosky was born in 1928 and was educated in Hull, UK. He studied at Hull Technical College and was awarded a BSc in 1949. He initially began working at the Royal Arsenal developing analytical methods in the nascent nuclear power sector.
In 1954 Shalgosky’s laboratory joined the Analytical Branch of the Atomic Energy Research Establishment at Harwell as part of the new UK Atomic Energy Authority, with the laboratory physically moving to Harwell in 1966. At this time Shalgosky became the leader of the Chemical Analysis and Environmental Safety Groups, Project Manager of the Physico-Chemical Measurements Unity, and Head of the Environmental and Medical Sciences Division. Eventually Shalgosky became the head of the Harwell Division in 1981 until his retirement in 1988.
Shalgosky’s work centred on non-radioactive waste disposal and analytical aspects of environmental safety. He also helped inform UK legislation on such procedures, and his division was part of the response to the Seveso and Chernobyl disasters.
Shalgosky was a committed member of the RSC Analytical Division, receiving the Division’s Distinguished Service Award in 1993. He also served as Chair of the RSC Analytical Abstracts Editorial Committee from 1984-1990.
The prize was established through a generous bequest from the Shalgosky family. In 2021, the purposes of this Trust were amended, and remaining monies were combined with other generous bequests and donations to become part of the RSC Recognition Fund.
Harry Shalgosky Prize for Analytical Chemistry Winners
- 2009 - Faye Taylor
- 2012 - Charlie Possee
- 2013 - Ben Armitage
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