Cardiff Professor appointed as a Co-President to advise on crucial global policies

Professor Richard Catlow of Cardiff University’s School of Chemistry is made the new Co-President of the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) from April this year, joining a global affiliation of scientific academies and societies to work on topics of world-wide importance.

The InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) comprises of more than 140 national, regional, and global science academies, ‘who work together to support the vital role of science in seeking evidence-based solutions to the world’s most challenging problems’.

IAP activities are directed by a Steering Committee composed of the six executive committee/board Co-chairs, two of whom play the role of ‘Co-President’s.

Their aim is to harnesses the expertise of the world’s leading scientific minds to advance sound policies, improve public health, promote excellence in science education, and achieve other critical development goals.

Richard Catlow, Professor of Catalytic and Computational Chemistry, is a highly valued member of staff here at the School, who’s research focusses on developing and applying computer models to solid state and materials chemistry.

Not only is he a leading chemist who has worked for over thirty years in the field of computational and experimental studies of complex materials, he is also an important ambassador for science globally as a Foreign Secretary for the Royal Society.

His work has been recognised by the awarded of a knighthood for his “remarkable” and “impactful” contributions to scientific research.

As one of these Co-Presidents, Catlow will contribute to IAP’s mission of ‘convening and empowering the world’s academies of science, engineering and medicine to work collaboratively to address issues of global, regional, and national importance’.

The role will see him use his broad experience and expertise to provide authoritative, independent advice on crucial topics such as global educational programmes in science, policy advice on climate change, and encouraging the fair distribution of medicines and medical expertise across the world.

The position of Co-President of the IAP has been gratefully received by Catlow, who told us:

"It will be an honour to follow Volker at this exciting and important time. As we take on the challenges of global vaccination, post-COVID recovery and climate change the need for concerted advice and input from the global academy community has never been higher".

Head of Cardiff's School of Chemistry, Damien Murphy, added,

“It is great to see Richard take on this important global role, I know that he is a great collaborative scientist as his own group integrates so well with the Cardiff Catalysis Institute, the School of Chemistry and worldwide partners. His new role will allow him to draw on these fundamental scientific insights to inform opinion on the world stage.”

Richard Catlow replaces Volker ter Meulen (German National Academy of Sciences, Leopoldina), who has acted as IAP Co-President since 2017 and has now completed his two terms.

He will represent high income countries (HICs) and work alongside Professor Depei Liu, who represents low and middle income countries (LMICs).

We congratulate Professor Catlow on yet another admirable achievement.