UK Academic Process Chemistry Award

Established in 2005, the Process Chemistry Award recognises the outstanding work carried out by a UK-based academic to progress the field of Process Chemistry including but not limited to synthetic methodology, process technology, reaction kinetics and modelling, biocatalytic transformations and photoredox catalysis such that it is useful for the manufacture of active pharmaceutical ingredients or agrochemicals on scale.

The award is sponsored jointly by AstraZeneca, GSK, Pharmaron, SAI Life Sciences and Syngenta and includes a financial contribution to support the recipient’s future academic research efforts. The winner will also be invited to present their work at the SCI Process Development Symposium, where they will be presented with the award.

Nominations for this award are open annually from July to October. Nominations for UK-based academics can be put forward by any member of the scientific community (academic, industrial, etc.). Previously nominated academics are also considered for the award. The award committee creates an initial shortlist of nominees based on the scientific impact of their research relevant to the field of Process Chemistry. The award committee meets to discuss and debate the final shortlist of nominees and ultimately select the winner of the award. The award committee is comprised of a diverse set of scientists from AstraZeneca, GSK, Pharmaron, SAI Life Sciences and Syngenta.

Sponsored by

AstraZeneca logo
GSK logo
Pharmaron logo
Sai Life Sciences Logo
Syngenta logo

Award Information

2025 Process Chemistry Award winner

The award committee is delighted to share that the 2025 Process Chemistry Award has been awarded to Prof Richard Bourne (University of Leeds) for his contributions to automated optimisation of chemical processes.

Applications

Nominations should highlight industry-relevant research that will progress the field of Process Chemistry including but not limited to synthetic methodology, process technology, reaction kinetics and modelling, biocatalytic transformations and photoredox catalysis,

Nominees should be based in the UK and can be at any stage in their career.

Proposals should be in either word or pdf format using the provided template and should be sent to sciprocesschemaward@gmail.com by 10th October 2025. Updated submissions relating to nominations from previous years are also welcome.

Presentation Details

The award consists of a monetary prize and an invitation to speak at the SCI - 42nd SCI Process Development Symposium to be held in Cambridge on 15-17th April 2026.

Eligibility Criteria

    Background
    • UK-based academic
    Career Stage
    • Any stage
    Areas: Process Chemistry field (including but not limited to)
    • Synthetic methodology
    • Process technology
    • Reaction Kinetics and Modelling
    • Biocatalytic Transformations
    • Photoredox Catalysis

Timetable

Applications open July 2025
Applications close 10 October 2025
Frequency Annual

Additional Information

Code of Ethics for Members

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