Launching in 2025, the Early Career award offers the opportunity to recognise the contributions of our early career members' enthusiasm, dedication, and service during their membership with SCI.
This year's winner is Robert Ives for his exceptional service to the Yorkshire and Humber, Membership and Careers committees, as well as his dedication to SCI's early careers programme. Robert will receive his award at SCI's AGM on 2 July 2025
Read Robert's interview below:
When and why did you become a member of SCI?
I joined SCI in 2021, whilst I was studying for my PhD in Chemistry at Durham University. I was interested in the range of activities on offer at SCI, ranging from the networking opportunities on offer within regional interest groups, career guidance and scholarship opportunities that the society has to offer.
Why did you decide to get involved in committee work?
I wanted to become active with SCI within my region so decided to join the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Interest Group. I was fortunate to be mentored under the then Chair (the late Professor Paul Clarke) who had a clear vision for succession planning within the group. Having known Paul from my time at the University of York, he proposed I took on the position of Vice-Chair in preparation to succeed him after his time as Chair. Following the sad and untimely passing of Paul, I took on the position of Chair, and subsequently became involved with both the Careers and Membership committee. Given the circumstances, the support of Professor Alan Heaton, Dr Robin Harrison, the Yorkshire and Humber committee and everyone at SCI HQ were invaluable during this time of transition.
What has driven your continued involvement with SCI?
Since becoming Chair of the SCI Yorkshire & Humber Regional Interest Group, the leadership role and increased visibility has inadvertently allowed me to become more involved with the Governance Committees at SCI, including subsequent election to both Careers and Membership Committees. This has allowed to give greater input to SCI activity as a whole.
How has being involved in SCI activities had an impact on your professional career?
My involvement with all of the aforementioned committees at SCI has proved very useful in establishing a network to help with the progression of my professional career development. I have also greatly benefited from being a part of the mentoring scheme at SCI. A special thank you must go to my mentor, Dr Paul Wallace, who has gone above and beyond to aid my progression throughout the later stages of my PhD studies and beyond.
How do your SCI activities reflect your personal/professional interests?
Even at this early stage in my career, SCI has shown me that working across boundaries does not just apply to research in academia and industry. Those who truly want to lead must be able to adapt to work across different sectors and be able to adjust as workplace needs change. My roles at SCI have given me an insight into preparing for key meetings within my aforementioned leadership roles, with the opportunity to enlighten, persuade and motivate decision-makers regarding significant decisions and policies for the future e.g., maximising the impact of chemistry in practice.
How do you think that your contribution has helped shape SCI?
I would like to think my contribution has shaped SCI for the better. In particular, in terms of my contribution towards career-related events, including being co-organiser for the Day of Science and Careers, which was held in York for the last two years. It’s this involvement that has allowed me to give more input towards the direction of SCI and I look forward to contributing further towards the success of SCI as it moves towards its 150th anniversary.
What advice would you give to Early career individuals joining the society?
Take the opportunity when presented with it (even if you’re not ready). There are many openings within SCI to become involved and, given the chance, you can take on as much (or as little) responsibility as you can manage. The support offered by the team at SCI is second-to-none and they will support you with your ambitions along the way.
What are your thoughts about receiving an Early Career Award?
I feel very humbled to be recognised with the Early Career Award for 2025, particularly in its inaugural year. It is only right to dedicate this award to the memory of my mentor and SCI predecessor, Professor Paul Clarke (University of York and the SCI Yorkshire & Humber Regional Interest Group). Paul’s guidance and unwavering support ultimately shaped my interest and professional development with SCI. This award is a small way to honour Paul’s lasting impact on my career and to thank him for the support and encouragement he so generously gave.
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