Wellingborough scientist wins prestigious Royal Society of Chemistry award

Wellingborough-born Professor Emma Raven has been named the winner of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Interdisciplinary Prize.

Now based at the University of Bristol, Prof Raven won the award for seminal contributions to understanding the roles of heme in biology.

After receiving the award, Prof Raven said: “I am incredibly honoured, happy and proud.

"For myself, of course, but also for the students and colleagues that I have worked with who have also contributed to this.”

Prof Raven, who was born and raised in Northamptonshire and holds a BSc in Chemistry from the University of Leicester and a PhD from Newcastle University, also receives £5,000 and a medal.

Currently the head of the School of Chemistry at the University of Bristol, Prof Raven’s research work has been focused on understanding structure and function of heme proteins, which form part of hemoglobin, and their role in biology.

Dr Helen Pain, acting chief executive of the Royal Society of Chemistry, said: “We live in an era of tremendous global challenges, with the need for science recognised now more so than ever – so it is important to recognise those behind the scenes who are making significant contributions towards improving the world we live in.

"It is our honour and privilege to do that with these awards, which recognise exceptional scientific achievement.

“The global chemical sciences community is one that covers many different specialisms, from health and climate change to product development, sustainable transport, and everything in between.

"In recognising the work of Professor Raven, we are also recognising the important contribution this incredible network of scientists makes to improving our lives every day.”

The Royal Society of Chemistry’s prizes and awards are awarded in recognition of originality and impact of research, or for each winner’s contribution to the chemical sciences industry or education.

They also acknowledge the importance of teamwork across the chemical sciences, as well as the abilities of individuals to develop successful collaborations.

Of those to have won a Royal Society of Chemistry Award, an illustrious list of 50 have gone on to win Nobel Prizes for their pioneering work, including 2016 Nobel laureates Jean-Pierre Sauvage, Fraser Stoddart and Ben Feringa.

Last year, the Royal Society of Chemistry announced it is reviewing its recognition mechanisms.

Details of how the awards structure will be changed – to ensure that the way excellence is recognised is fit for today’s needs – will be announced later this year.

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