Sir Geoffrey Wilkinson Prize 2025 for Cardiff scientist

A Cardiff University scientist has been awarded a prestigious prize from the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) - the UK governing body for chemistry.

Professor Rebecca L. Melen of the School of Chemistry is the 2025 recipient of the Sir Geoffrey Wilkinson Prize, which recognises outstanding contributions to any area of inorganic chemistry made by a mid-career scientist.

Professor Melen was selected by the RSC’s Dalton Prize Committee for her insights into the reactivity of frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) by single- and two-electron pathways.

She wins £3,000, a medal and is invited to deliver a series of prize lectures at universities across the UK and Ireland in 2026.

Professor Melen said: “I’m deeply honoured to receive the Sir Geoffrey Wilkinson RSC Prize. Sir Geoffrey Wilkinson’s contributions to inorganic chemistry have been foundational, and to be recognised in association with his legacy is both humbling and inspiring.

“This award reflects the collaborative efforts of my research team, past and present, whose dedication and creativity have made our work possible. It’s a privilege to contribute to the evolving field of chemistry, and I’m grateful to the Royal Society of Chemistry for this recognition.”

Professor Melen’s work seeks to expand the chemical toolkit in synthetic chemistry and catalysis by investigating the unique opportunities offered by non-bonded radical pairs.

“I’m focused on developing metal-free catalysis,” she explains.

“Traditional catalysts often rely on rare or toxic metals, which can be expensive, environmentally damaging, and difficult to recycle. By designing catalytic systems that don’t require metals, we can reduce environmental impact, improve sustainability, and open up new, more accessible pathways for chemical transformations.

“This not only benefits industrial processes but also aligns with the broader goals of green chemistry by creating efficient, low-waste technologies that are kinder to the planet. It’s exciting to be part of a field where fundamental discoveries can have such wide-reaching and positive effects.”