2020 news

Research performed by Masters students in York has provided unique new insights into the unusual structures formed by an exciting new gallium-based catalyst. They demonstrated that gallium(I) triflate is actually a complex mixture of species, generating important information to help direct future catalyst design.

The Department of Chemistry’s Teaching Labs’ Chemistree is twice its usual size for its tenth anniversary year, bringing even more colour and light - and a fantastic variety of glassware - to Christmas 2020.

Groundbreaking work which began as a Laidlaw summer project in the Department of Chemistry results in publication for two graduating students.

Researchers from the Universities of York and Melbourne have shed new light on how viruses like hepatitis B, dengue and SARS-CoV-2 hijack a cell paving the way for potential anti-viral drugs to stop the virus in its tracks.

Professor Ian Fairlamb of the Department of Chemistry at the University of York has been awarded a four-year Royal Society industry fellowship to work in collaboration with Johnson Matthey, on a project that will enable more efficient use of the planet’s natural resources.

A team of scientists - including an academic from the University of York - has been awarded more than £8m (9.1m euros) for a major research programme into how enzymes work on complex sugars.

Pioneering research at the University of York could help us understand how the latest new antibiotics against tuberculosis (TB) work - and pave the way for improved treatments in the future.

The under-representation of BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) individuals is a longstanding problem in chemistry and represents an enormous loss of talent. To help address this urgent problem, the Department of Chemistry has recently been awarded £5000 by The Royal Society of Chemistry to survey the lived experiences of BAME chemistry students and staff.

Chemistry at York in the top ten in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide.

A computational method developed in York provides an easy way of visualising the aromaticity of important polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon molecules and gives new insights into their bonding.

Applying circular economy principles to resource recovery from red algae has revealed two unforeseen crystal forms of floridoside – an intriguing natural product.

The outstanding performance of six Chemistry Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) has been recognised in this year’s Roger J Mawby Demonstrating Awards.

Chemistry at York is ranked sixth, confirming its place as one of the top Chemistry departments in the UK.

Rob Ives to receive Chancellor's Leadership Award at this year’s Graduation ceremony

‘The Chem Collective’ launched on TikTok social media platform

A post-lockdown economic recovery plan that incorporates and emphasises climate-friendly choices could help significantly in the battle against global warming, according to a new study.

An atmospheric chemist from the University of York has been shortlisted for a major award by a leading science journal.

We’re delighted to learn that our chemistry students rated their learning experience highly in the National Student Survey, and are some of the happiest in the UK.

A £1.4m grant has been awarded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) to support an international research network led by Dr John Slattery (University of York) and Professor Ken McKendrick (Heriot-Watt University), who will explore the surface structure and catalytic performance of ionic liquids.

Air pollution is lower than expected in some of the UK’s towns and cities, despite a return to almost normal traffic levels, new research shows.

There is sadness in the Department of Chemistry this week at the news that one of the victims of the Reading terror attack is a former student.

Three scientists from the University of York’s Department of Chemistry have received prestigious Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) awards.

Two high-profile European-Commission-funded projects will bring four early career researchers to the Department of Chemistry, with York research groups collaborating with a wide range of institutions and industrial partners across Europe.

In rankings released this week the Department continues to be among the UK's most highly regarded departments for the subject of Chemistry. The Department is ranked 5th in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2021.

The award, which recognises excellence in teaching and learning support, will be formally conferred later in the year at one of the 2020 graduation ceremonies.

Naturally-occurring analogues of Vitamin C have been used to form deep eutectic solvents for the first time. These environmentally-friendly solvents may have applications as natural antifreezes or antibacterial agents.

Researchers in Green Chemistry have developed antimicrobial applications for waste citrus peel, potentially enabling the greater use of this resource in a circular economy.

Researchers at the University of York have synthesised compounds that can bind to one of the key proteins in the COVID-19 virus. The discovery could pave the way for new drug treatments to fight the virus.

A free online course developed by the Department of Chemistry has been shown to have excellent educational outcomes, with positive student attitudes, high levels of learner engagement and a significant impact on students making the transition to university.

Students and staff from the MSc Green Chemistry and Sustainable Industrial Technology course met virtually this month to mark Earth Day 2020.

A research team from the Department of Chemistry has synthesised a fascinating new cobalt complex previously considered too reactive to make.

Research from the Department of Chemistry in York is providing vital insights into the novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, and may help underpin antibody tests and future therapies.

Work carried out by eight University of York Chemistry undergraduates results in a major publication in an international open access chemistry journal.

York’s air quality has improved significantly during the coronavirus lockdown, according to research by a University of York academic.

Core shell gel beads can be decorated with silver nanoparticles and show antimicrobial activity against drug-resistant bacteria.

A University of York academic is leading a national scientific advisory group calling for scientists and researchers to share their data on air pollution during the coronavirus pandemic.

Genetic information from an 800,000-year-old human fossil tooth has been retrieved for the first time.

A University of York academic is a joint recipient of this year’s Gunther Laukien Prize – awarded annually to recognize cutting-edge nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) research.

A researcher at York is to partner with an academic at the University of Cape Town in a collaborative grant scheme designed to tackle global challenges.

Dr Jess Wade gave the Department of Chemistry’s annual Beacon Equality and Diversity Lecture, inspiring a packed audience towards equality in science.

Employees from regional and national industries could study for PhDs under a new £1m pilot scheme to be introduced at the University of York in the area of circular, sustainable manufacturing.

Dr Jon Agirre takes part in the Royal Society Pairing Scheme 2020.

The pioneering work of YSBL has received royal recognition at a prestigious ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

A study by scientists at the University of York casts new light on the role of chemistry in the evolution of life.

In his recent Perspectives article in Science, 'Rethinking chemistry for a circular economy', Professor James Clark explores the use and re-use of chemical products in the modern age.

A scientist from the University of York has been recognised by the prestigious Blavatnik Family Foundation and New York Academy of Sciences for her pioneering work in fossil dating.