Two distinguished scientists from the University of Nottingham have been recognized for their groundbreaking research with prestigious awards from the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). Professor Cameron Alexander and Dr. Mattia Silvi have each been honored for their significant contributions to the field of chemistry.
Professor Cameron Alexander, from the School of Pharmacy, has been named the winner of the 2025 Royal Society of Chemistry’s Interdisciplinary Prize. Meanwhile, Dr. Mattia Silvi, from the School of Chemistry, has been awarded the 2025 Royal Society of Chemistry’s Hickinbottom Prize. These accolades highlight their innovative work at the intersection of chemistry and other scientific disciplines.
Innovative Research in Chemistry and Medicine
Professor Alexander’s recognition comes for his interdisciplinary research that bridges chemistry, bio-responsive materials, and medicine. He has been awarded £5,000 and a medal for his efforts. His research focuses on developing materials that can detect, prevent, and treat diseases that currently lack effective treatments. This involves creating carriers for drug molecules, such as anti-cancer agents and antibacterials, to ensure they reach their intended targets within the body.
Alexander’s team collaborates closely with clinicians to translate laboratory breakthroughs into viable therapies. He is also dedicated to mentoring students and researchers, encouraging them to think beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries. Reflecting on his award, Professor Alexander expressed his gratitude, saying,
“I am really delighted and very honoured to receive the Interdisciplinary Prize! The list of previous winners includes people who have really inspired me, and who continue to do so – it is great to be in their company!”
Advancements in Organic Chemistry
Dr. Mattia Silvi’s award recognizes his development of creative synthetic strategies through the design of novel radical acceptors. His research, which earned him £3,000 and a medal, explores the use of visible light in organic chemistry. By irradiating organic molecules with light, Silvi’s team generates free radicals that can form new chemical bonds, opening new pathways for creating pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and functional materials.
Dr. Silvi acknowledged the efforts of his team, stating,
“I am truly honoured to receive this prestigious prize and I would like to acknowledge all my research group members for their exceptional enthusiasm, resilience and motivation.”
The Impact of RSC Awards
Dr. Helen Pain, Chief Executive of the Royal Society of Chemistry, emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in the chemical sciences. She remarked,
“The chemical sciences cover a rich and diverse collection of disciplines, from fundamental understanding of materials and the living world, to applications in medicine, sustainability, technology and more. By working together across borders and disciplines, chemists are finding solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.”
The RSC has been recognizing excellence in the chemical sciences for over 150 years, with past winners including 60 Nobel laureates. This year’s awards continue this tradition, celebrating individuals across various career stages and fields, from industry to academia.
Looking Ahead
The recognition of Professors Alexander and Silvi not only underscores their individual achievements but also highlights the University of Nottingham’s role in advancing scientific research. Their work exemplifies the potential of interdisciplinary approaches to address complex global challenges, from healthcare to sustainable development.
As these scientists continue their research, the impact of their innovations will likely extend beyond academia, influencing future developments in medicine and chemistry. The awards serve as a testament to the power of collaboration and the ongoing pursuit of knowledge in the scientific community.
