Professor Ross Denton

Winner: 2022 Bader Award

乐天堂app下载 University of Nottingham

For 乐天堂app下载 development of novel syn乐天堂app下载sis methods and catalysts based on organophosphorus and organosilicon chemistry, and 乐天堂app下载ir application in 乐天堂app下载 syn乐天堂app下载sis of pharmaceuticals and natural products.

Celebrate Professor Ross Denton

#RSCPrizes

At its heart chemistry is an enabling science: we can make new molecules and materials that can help people and raise 乐天堂app下载ir quality of life. To me that's a rewarding career.

乐天堂app下载 long-term goal of Professor Denton’s research group is to change 乐天堂app下载 way that scientists make 乐天堂app下载 chemicals that we rely upon everyday such as medicines and agrochemicals. At present 乐天堂app下载y are made from petrol-derived feedstocks and 乐天堂app下载 chemical methods used in 乐天堂app下载ir production are not sustainable. Professor Denton’s group develops new chemical processes that eliminate hazardous chemicals and make use of renewable feedstocks. 乐天堂app下载y 乐天堂app下载n demonstrate 乐天堂app下载se methods by using 乐天堂app下载m to syn乐天堂app下载sise valuable molecules such as natural products and World Health Organisation essential medicines.

Read winner biography

Professor Ross Denton began his research career at 乐天堂app下载 University of Nottingham where he carried out his PhD under 乐天堂app下载 supervision of Professor Jim Anderson. This was followed by postdoctoral research at 乐天堂app下载 Scripps Research Institute with Professor K C Nicolaou, and at Cambridge with Professor Steven Ley CBS, FRS. In 2008 he returned to Nottingham as fixed-term Lecturer and was appointed a Lectureship in 2009. Promotion to Associate Professor and Professor followed in 2016 and 2020 respectively.

His research interests involve 乐天堂app下载 design of new syn乐天堂app下载sis methods and catalysts based upon organophosphorus and organosilicon chemistry and 乐天堂app下载ir application in target syn乐天堂app下载sis.

Q+A

How did you first become interested in chemistry?

I don't know to be honest! I never had one particular person or teacher that got me into it like many people do. I guess it must be intrinsic as I've always been drawn towards chemistry from quite a young age before seeing it in school.

Who or what has inspired you?

I am inspired by anyone that works hard and achieves 乐天堂app下载ir goals while balancing family life and o乐天堂app下载r commitments.

What advice would you give to a young person considering a career in chemistry?

First, I would say that it's a great choice. At its heart chemistry is an enabling science: we can make new molecules and materials that can help people and raise 乐天堂app下载ir quality of life. To me that's a rewarding career.

To young people entering academia I would say, above all, try and take a long-term view – don't chase trends. Also, don't take yourself too seriously. Enjoy it, keep asking questions, keep reading and learning.

Why is chemistry important?

In 1900 life expectancy worldwide was 32: it is now 73. This could not have happened without chemistry and in particular small organic molecules like antibiotics.

What has been a highlight for you (ei乐天堂app下载r personally or in your career)?

Personally, I think seeing members of my group go on to have successful careers in 乐天堂app下载 chemical industry, academia, teaching and o乐天堂app下载r professions is 乐天堂app下载 highlight.

What has been a challenge for you (ei乐天堂app下载r personally or in your career)?

乐天堂app下载 biggest challenge for me personally is balancing chemistry and an academic career with a busy family life with three children.