Professor John Pickett elected to Academia Europaea

We are proud to announce that Professor John Pickett has been elected to the Academia Europaea (AE), the European Academy of Sciences.

This prestigious membership acknowledges Professor Pickett’s significant contributions to ecological chemistry as a leading figure in the field of insect pheromones. The award illuminates Professor Pickett’s extraordinary five-decade career in which he has championed a symbiotic relationship between the chemical sciences and the natural world, advancing food security and safety for future generations.

The Academia Europaea was established in 1988 as a pan-European academy to encompass varied fields of scholarly inquiry, with a commitment to promoting excellence in research and providing a forum for interdisciplinary collaboration among Europe's most distinguished and notable scholars.

This new accolade joins a flurry of awards recognising Professor Pickett.  Professor Pickett works on global projects with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, received the International Pest Management (IPM) Lifetime Achievement Award as well as an honorary professorship at Guizhou University in 2025. Professor Pickett, amongst other notable honours, received a CBE award in 2004 for services to biological chemistry.

Professor Deborah Kays, Head of School, shared: Professor Pickett’s election to the Academia Europaea is a richly deserved recognition of an exceptional scientific career. John’s pioneering work in ecological chemistry has shaped the field internationally and exemplifies how fundamental science can deliver real‑world impact for agriculture, sustainability and food security. We are immensely proud to count him among our colleagues, and his scholarship, leadership and commitment to interdisciplinary research continue to inspire staff and students across the School.

Professor Pickett currently holds a role as Professor of Biological Chemistry at Cardiff University's School of Chemistry. His research focuses on chemical ecology involving chemically mediated interactions between various organisms including pests attacking plants and animals.

We are delighted to host inspiring academics like Professor Pickett at Cardiff University, where we share a deep commitment to research excellence and addressing global challenges through science and innovation.

For more information on Professor Pickett's work and the School of Chemistry at Cardiff University, please visit Cardiff University's School of Chemistry.