Johnson Matthey Chemist Wins Prestigious Royal Society of Chemistry Prize

Dr Christopher Barnard, a chemist who retired from Johnson Matthey in March 2015 after over 36 years at the company, is the Royal Society of Chemistry Creativity in Industry Prize winner for 2015

Dr Barnard, who worked at Johnson Matthey's Technology Centre in Sonning Common, UK, is today recognised for his contributions to the chemical sciences industry.

His work on the chemistry of carboplatin helped its rapid approval in the UK for the treatment of ovarian cancer, and the development of the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Manufacturing business of Johnson Matthey's Fine Chemicals Division . He applied this experience to the regulatory submissions for a number of other platinum drug candidates.

Dr Barnard studied at the University of York completing his Doctor of Philosophy (D.Phil) in organometallic chemistry in the 1970s. He has worked at Johnson Matthey for more than 36 years and retired in March. He remains a Scientific Consultant to the company.

I'd like to thank all the people who have assisted me as part of the teams who developed the products that this award acknowledges

Speaking at the award presentation last night Dr Barnard said: "I'd like to thank all the people who have assisted me as part of the teams who developed the products that this award acknowledges. These include people not only from within Johnson Matthey, but from collaborating companies and institutions, such as the Royal Marsden Hospital and the Institute of Cancer Research. All of us worked as a very large team to get the drugs approved and my role was a small but necessary part."

Steve Pleasance, Industry Manager at the Royal Society of Chemistry said: "The Industry and Technology Awards recognise the outstanding contributions made by industrial chemists, often working in teams, from the discovery, development and application of new chemicals, processes and / or technologies, through to improving STEM skills and encouraging the next generation of chemists."

Dr Robert Parker, Chief Executive of the Royal Society of Chemistry said: "It is always a pleasure to recognise excellence in the chemical sciences and I am pleased to acknowledge the illustrious achievements of our prize and award winners this year.

"Whether they work in research, industry or academia, our winners are the very best in their fields, and they can be very proud to follow in the footsteps of some of the most influential and important scientists around the world.

"In a complex and changing world, chemistry and the chemical sciences are vital in responding to some of humanity's biggest challenges and our prize and award winners are at the forefront of meeting that challenge."

Prize winners are evaluated for the originality and impact of their research, as well as the quality of the results which can be shown in publications, patents, or even software. The awards also recognise the importance of teamwork across the chemical sciences, and the abilities of individuals to develop successful collaborations.

 

Notes for editors

 

About Johnson Matthey

Johnson Matthey is a global speciality chemicals company underpinned by science, technology and its people. A leader in sustainable technologies, many of the group's products enhance the quality of life of millions through their beneficial impact on the environment, human health and wellbeing. The group focuses on clean air, clean energy and low carbon technologies and is an expert in the application and recycling of precious metals. Johnson Matthey has operations in over 30 countries and employs around 12,000 people. Its products and services are sold across the world to a wide range of advanced technology industries.

 

Rewarding Excellence and Gaining Recognition

The Royal Society of Chemistry's Prizes and Awards recognise achievements by individuals, teams and organisations in advancing the chemical sciences. It rewards those undertaking excellent work in the chemical sciences from across the world.

There are over 60 Prizes and Awards available in the main portfolio, covering all areas of the chemical sciences. So whether you work in research, business, industry or education, recognition is open to everyone.

An illustrious list of 47 previous winners of the Royal Society of Chemistry's Awards have gone on to win Nobel Prizes for their pioneering work, including Harry Kroto, Fred Sanger and Linus Pauling.

The Royal Society of Chemistry is the world's leading chemistry community, advancing excellence in the chemical sciences. With over 53,000 members and a knowledge business that spans the globe, we are the UK's professional body for chemical scientists; a not-for-profit organisation with 170 years of history and an international vision of the future. It promotes, supports and celebrates chemistry. It works to shape the future of the chemical sciences – for the benefit of science and humanity.

 

More information on Royal Society of Chemistry Prizes and Awards

http://www.rsc.org/awards-funding/awards