Chemistry professors elected to Learned Society of Wales

Two professors from the Cardiff University School of Chemistry have been recognised for their academic excellence by being elected to the prestigious Learned Society of Wales.

Professor Nora De Leeuw, a University Pro-Vice Chancellor (International and Europe) and Professor of Computational Chemistry, and  Professor Thomas Wirth, Professor of Organic Chemistry, share this accolade with a further 14 professors from Cardiff University who have been elected as Fellows of the Society this year.

The Learned Society of Wales (LSW) was established in 2010 to promote research excellence in Wales to a global community. With more than 420 Fellows from all subject areas, the LSW brings together a host of successful and talented professionals who assist the Society in its work. Fellows serve on Society committees and working groups, represent the LSW nationally and internationally, and provide independent and expert advice to Government.

Election is highly competitive as candidates must progress through a rigorous five-stage election process, including an examination of their achievements in their relevant fields.

Professor Wirth’s expertise lies in the field of synthetic organic chemistry, in particular in the investigation of reactions with iodine-based reagents and in the development of flow processes for the rapid and safe synthesis of new products with unique properties.

Professor De Leeuw’s research interests are in the field of computational chemistry with a focus on developing sustainable practices, for example developing of new and sustainable catalysts for fuel and investigating alternative energy materials and processes.

Sir Emyr Jones Parry, the Society’s President, said: “I am delighted to welcome such a wide range of outstanding individuals to the Fellowship this year. Each new Fellow is elected on the distinguished merit of their work. These new Fellows will help strengthen our capacity to support excellence across all areas of academic and public life, both in Wales and abroad.”

For the full list of newly elected Fellows, please visit the LSW website.