Professor Jeremy Harvey has been awarded the 2009 Dirac Medal of the World Association of Theoretical and Computational Chemists (WATOC) for his work on the chemical reactivity of transition metal compounds, the understanding of organometallic catalysis, and the use of density functional theory for transition metal elements. This is the WATOC prize for an outstanding younger (under the age of 40) theoretical/computational chemist and is only the second time that the Dirac award has been won by UK-based scientist.

Professor Tim Gallagher, Head of the School of Chemistry, said: ‘Selection for the Dirac Medal is the result of a secret ballot of the entire WATOC Board and is highly competitive. It is a tremendous achievement on Jeremy’s part to be selected as the recipient.’

The award will be presented at the WATOC 2011 World Congress to be held in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Details of past winners can be found on the WATOC website.

Professor Dudley Shallcross has been awarded the Royal Meteorological Society’s Michael Hunt Award for 2008. The Michael Hunt Award, which commemorates the achievements of TV weatherman Michael Hunt (1920-85), is given biennially for excellence in increasing the understanding of meteorology or its applied disciplines among members of the general public, including particular groups (such as school children and yachtsmen).

Professor Gallagher said: ‘The award recognises how effectively Dudley blends his scientific expertise with his undoubted ability to engage with the public. The School extends its congratulations to both award winners.’