PRIZE FOR YOUNG CHEMISTS 2011

A prize of €1000 will be given for the most outstanding Irish PhD thesis of 2011 in the general area of the chemical sciences, as described in a 1,000 word essay (maximum, but figures are permitted). The prize is the successor to the Royal Irish Academy Prize for Young Chemists established in 2000 and the award is administered by a group from the RIA Chemical and Physical Sciences Committee.

The essay should describe the thesis work and place it in perspective relative to current research in the chemical sciences. It should be written with an academic reader in mind. The quality of publications arising from the research will also be taken into account, so please submit a listing of all published material arising from the PhD research performed.
Entrants must have received their PhD degree or completed all PhD requirements from a University or Institute of Technology in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland, including a successful defence of the doctoral thesis during the calendar year 2011.

Two supporting letters (sent by e-mail), one from the thesis adviser and one additional faculty member are also required. These letters should comment in detail on the qualifications, contribution to publications and accomplishments of the applicant and the significance of the thesis work.

The winner will be nominated by the Chemical and Physical Sciences Committee of the Royal Irish Academy to go forward for the prestigious International Prize for Young Chemists sponsored by IUPAC. In 2008 the Irish nominee, Dr Emilie Banide, was one of the 5 winners of the IUPAC prize.

The prize will be awarded at the Royal Irish Academy in mid-2012.

PRIZE FOR YOUNG CHEMISTS 2010
Winner: Dr Colm Duffy

The Prize for Young Chemists 2010 was awarded to Dr Colm Duffy at a ceremony on 6 July 2011 in the Royal Irish Academy. The award winning essay: Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Heteroaromatic Lipoxin A4 Analogues details the approach to and development of a stable Lipoxin analogue and potential drug candidate, which is superior to the natural anti-inflammatory agent at removing destructive white blood cells and thus may contribute to relief from pain and inflammation. It is available to read here.

The Prize:

Each year prize of €1000 is given for the most outstanding Irish PhD of the previous year in the general area of the chemical sciences, as described in a 1,000 word essay. The prize is the successor to the Royal Irish Academy Prize for Young Chemists established in 2000 and the award is administered by a group from the RIA Chemical and Physical Sciences Committee.

Background:

The essay describes the thesis work and places it in perspective relative to current research in the chemical sciences. It is written with an academic reader in mind. Entrants must have received their PhD degree or completed all PhD requirements from a University or Institute of Technology in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland, including a successful defence of the doctoral thesis during the calendar year 2009.