Manchester academics recognised in prestigious 2024 Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists

Two professors from the University of Manchester have received recognition in the esteemed 2024 Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists. The Blavatnik Family Foundation and The New York Academy of Sciences have announced the recipients of this year’s awards, which include three Laureates and six finalists. Professor Anthony Green and Professor Rahul Nair are among the Laureates, each receiving $100,000 for their outstanding work in Chemical Sciences and Physical Sciences & Engineering, respectively. These awards, now in their seventh year, are the largest unrestricted prizes available to scientists in the UK who are 42 years old or younger. They aim to acknowledge research that is revolutionizing medicine, technology, and our understanding of the world. The Laureates were chosen by an independent jury of expert scientists from across the UK. Professor Anthony Green, a Lecturer in Organic Chemistry, has been recognized for his discoveries in designing and engineering new enzymes with catalytic functions that were previously unknown in nature. His recent achievements include developing biocatalysts for COVID-19 therapies and using visible light to drive chemical reactions. Professor Rahul Nair, Professor of Materials Physics, has been honored for his work on novel membranes based on two-dimensional materials such as graphene. His research focuses on studying the transport of water, organic molecules, and ions at the nanoscale, with potential applications in water filtration and separation technologies. The Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists are highly regarded in the scientific community and play a crucial role in promoting and supporting the next generation of scientists. Sir Leonard Blavatnik, Founder and Chairman of Access Industries and Head of the Blavatnik Family Foundation, emphasized the importance of early recognition and funding in enabling scientific breakthroughs. The awards have not only showcased UK science but have also propelled the careers of numerous talented young scientists. The Laureates and Finalists of the 2024 Blavatnik Awards in the UK will be celebrated at a prestigious gala dinner and award ceremony in London on 27 February 2024.