Launched in 2001, the Distinguished Service Award recognises the enthusiasm, hard work and goodwill of longer-serving members from all parts of the Society. This year's winner is Robin Harrison, who will receive his award at SCI's AGM on 2 July 2025.
When and why did you become a member of SCI?
While at university I was a student member of the SCI, attending several events and technical conferences, which I found very valuable at the time. I re-engaged with the Society around 10 years ago, as I recognised the need to keep up with industrial trends and broaden my network within the industry, opportunities I could clearly realise in the Society.
Why did you decide to get involved in committee work?
My initial engagements were in technology centred working groups, which I found valuable to keep up to date technically and develop my network as planned. I observed the great work done by committee members to keep the SCI running as an active community and wanted to contribute in a similar way. When the Formulation Forum was founded in 2017, I took the opportunity to join the committee and found satisfaction in helping shape the programme of this new group. Subsequently I got involved in career related groups, for example, the College of Scholars, where I found fulfilment supporting scientists in their personal development journeys. This then led to my involvement in the Mid-Careers Committee and latterly Chairing the Careers Committee.
What has driven your continued involvement with SCI?
The SCI is an evolving organisation and so there are always new opportunities to get involved with and strengthen the community. My contributions have consequently changed over the years as I have taken opportunities to diversify my involvement, which keeps things interesting.
How has being involved in SCI activities had an impact on your professional career?
Most notably I have developed an extensive network within the chemical related industries – connections that I have found both personally and professionally rewarding. My time on the Board of Trustees also gave me an opportunity to gain governance experience and development my strategic thinking skills in a new environment, both of which have proved valuable in my corporate leadership role.
How do your SCI activities reflect your personal/professional interests?
My interest professionally have been to use science and technology to deliver sustainable solutions in our industry, which is core to the Society’s strategy. On a personal level, I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to grow and develop their careers, so my broad contribution in this area at the SCI is rewarding.
How do you think that your contribution has helped shape SCI?
My time on the Board of Trustees coincided with an exciting period in the Society’s history. My input helped bring clarity in the mission to accelerate innovation and my various contributions have supported many of the key pillars of the SCI strategy. My work around career development for scientists and entrepreneurs has provided a valuable “opportunity framework” for members at all points in their professional lives to develop and grow. My proudest achievement and greatest privilege has been to champion the annual Bright SCIdea Challenge. This has helped deliver one of the core SCI programmes to support the industry’s early career innovators and future entrepreneurs.
What are your thoughts about receiving a Distinguished Service Award?
It is an honour to receive the Distinguished Service Award as a recognition of my work with the Society and I am pleased to see that my contributions over many years have made a positive impact. I would like to thank the Membership Committee for the award and look forward to continued engagement with the SCI for many years to come.
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