British Indians make Royal Society of Chemistry 2023 prize list for contribution to science

Two British Indian scientists -  Professors Sohini Kar-Narayan and Bhavin Patel – are among winners announced by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), the prestigious chemical sciences society in the UK, in the 2023 prize cohort.

Through these awards, the RSC recognises individuals, collaborations and teams for their exceptional achievements in advancing the chemical sciences. Split in four main categories, RSC announced winners for the ‘Horizon Prizes’, ‘Volunteer Recognition Prizes’, ‘Research & Innovation Prizes’ and an ‘Inclusion and Diversity Prize’.

Professor Bhavin Patel – Professor of Clinical and Bioanalytical Chemistry at the University of Brighton – won the ‘2023 Analytical Science mid-career Prize’ for the development of innovative electrochemical sensors for advancing the understanding of biological signalling processes.

“This prize is real recognition for me and my group on our research approach to create sensors which are fit-for-purpose and provide impactful knowledge about biological systems,” said the professor, who has published over 120 peer-reviewed publications.

“I would tell a young person that chemistry is the gateway towards so many pathways and careers and is central to so many aspects of our lives. The skills learnt from studying chemistry can open a wide array of opportunities in many diverse sectors,” says Prof. Patel when asked about what advice he would offer to young people thinking of pursuing chemistry as a career.

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Speaking on the challenges he has faced in his journey, Prof. Patel explains: “Whilst progressing I have been subjected to racism, tokenism, and microaggressions throughout my career which has always been a challenge as you often felt like an outsider. I was blessed to have some great mentors who supported me and gave me confidence and I now continue to take on the baton and encourage more diversity in our chemistry research community.”

Another British Indian professor named in the list is Professor Sohini Kar-Narayan, who has won the ‘2023 Materials Chemistry mid-career Prize: Peter Day Prize’ for her research in functional polymers and nanocomposites, and their application in energy, sensing and biomedicine using microscale additive manufacturing.

A professor of Device & Energy Materials in the Department of Materials Science at the University of Cambridge, Prof. Kar-Narayan’s research group are developing new materials and technologies that will have a broad impact on how healthcare is administered around the world.

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“My late father was diabetic and suffered from heart disease, and this played a role in my desire to improve patient care by developing new materials and technologies for personalised healthcare and remote health monitoring,” says the scientist on what continues to motivate her in her research.

“From being the only woman in my PhD cohort at the Indian Institute of Science, to raising two young children while navigating the challenges of academia, I have overcome many societal and institutional challenges to get to where I am today. I am very proud to be leading a diverse and interdisciplinary research team, and I hope that the next generation will naturally embrace the concept of a diverse and inclusive workforce, and value its importance,” says Prof. Kar-Narayan on the various challenges she has faced and what she hopes for the future generations.

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Both the British Indian professors are multi-award winners and have achieved great heights in their respective research areas.

*Info: Royal Society of Chemistry