Professor Stuart Taylor - 2023 Environment, Sustainability and Energy open Prize: Environment Prize winner

Professor Stuart Taylor FRSC

Winner: 2023 Environment, Sustainability and Energy open Prize: Environment Prize

Cardiff University

For pioneering work on the discovery of catalysts that have been commercialised for environmental protection, including carbon monoxide oxidation catalysts for critical life support applications.

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During the early stages of my academic career, I became registered blind and had to make numerous adjustments to my way of working.

A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction, but it is not consumed in the reaction. They are critical in our modern lives, and it is estimated that at least 80% of manufactured goods require a catalyst somewhere in their production. Catalysis is a key technology that will be required to address many of the challenges we face, such as energy security, clean water and air, as well as addressing sustainability by developing new ways of making essential raw materials from renewable resources.

Professor Taylor’s work has focused on developing preparation approaches to solid catalysts, delivering a fundamental understanding of catalytic processes. Understanding the relationships between catalyst structure and their performance has driven the rational design of new catalysts, delivering impact across the important areas of energy, sustainability, green chemistry, and environmental protection. In particular, research has shaped environmental catalysis for life support and atmospheric emission control, including the development of highly active catalysts used in confined environments, like submarines and safe havens in mines, to remove toxic carbon monoxide and save lives.

Read winner biography

Stuart Taylor obtained his PhD in the area of heterogeneous catalysis from the University of Liverpool in 1994. He completed a three-year postdoctoral contract at Liverpool before accepting an academic position at Cardiff University School of Chemistry in 1997.

Promoted to Professor in 2013, he is currently Director of Research for the school and has more than 30 years of experience in heterogeneous catalysis research. With over 350 publications covering catalysis, materials, and advanced characterisation, his wide-ranging experimental influence and impact is recognised by over 14,000 citations. He is consistently identified in the top 2% of researchers by Stanford University’s 2020, 2021 and 2022 World Ranking of Scientists.

Stuart has wide-ranging expertise in experimental studies of catalysis, exploiting preparation techniques for fundamental catalyst understanding and design. His work impacts on chemicals, fuels, sustainability, energy, and the environment. He is invited to present at many international meetings and receives support from a range of funding bodies and industry. He collaborates extensively with universities and industry, both nationally and internationally. In 2022, he was elected to the prestigious position of Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales in recognition of his leading contribution to the field of heterogeneous catalysis. Later the same year he was awarded the Sir John Meurig Thomas Catalysis Medal by the UK Catalysis Hub in recognition of demonstrable current and future impact for catalysts applied to environmental protection.

Q&A

How did you first become interested in chemistry?

My interest in chemistry started at school. I was lucky to have an excellent chemistry teacher, who was so enthusiastic about the subject that you could not help being inspired and I always looked forward to the next lesson. The practical aspect of chemistry was also a major draw, we were fortunate that we regularly had practical lessons, putting into practice the concepts we were learning.

What motivates you?

The continued excitement in realising a new idea from conception, to experiment to delivery. For me the aspect of discovery in science is a key driver.

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

If you choose to pursue a career in chemistry, there are numerous opportunities available. My advice would be to opt for a specific branch of chemistry that genuinely captivates your interest, as this will help you to remain engaged, motivated, and fulfilled with your work. The field of modern chemistry is incredibly diverse and presents a variety of challenges. You can explore different areas of chemistry to discover the one that aligns with your aspirations and strengths and be assured that your contributions will be significant and meaningful.

Why is chemistry important?

Chemistry is an essential underpinning science for so many important areas. As a society we are facing many challenges, for example we need to ensure clean water supplies, protect the environment, and find new ways to make the things we all need in cleaner, more efficient and sustainable ways. Chemistry, and in particular catalysis, will provide the solutions to achieve these aims, as well as providing new practical technologies to deal with some of the more pressing problems we face like the recycling of plastics and combatting global warming.

What has been a highlight for you (either personally or in your career)?

An aspect that stands out is the opportunities for collaboration and forming friendships that my work has provided to me. I have had the good fortune of collaborating with numerous talented people from various companies, academic institutions, and research centres. Through these collaborations, I have been introduced to significant issues that demand solutions and I have acquired new knowledge. Additionally, it has given me the chance to travel to diverse locations and immerse myself in different cultures.

What has been a challenge for you (either personally or in your career)?

During the early stages of my academic career, I became registered blind and had to make numerous adjustments to my way of working. This transition happened rapidly and continues to present challenges to this day. More than 22 years later, I do not view my visual impairment as a hindrance. In fact, it has become a source of motivation for me to focus on what I am capable of achieving, rather than dwelling on my limitations. In the realm of chemical science research, I am reminded that diverse perspectives and varying viewpoints are integral to advancing scientific progress through discourse, and this only emphasises to me that we all see things differently.

How are the chemical sciences making the world a better place?

Chemistry is a truly remarkable enabling science. There are few problems in the natural world that chemistry cannot contribute to, remedy or solve, thereby improving the lives of so many.

Why do you think teamwork is important in science?

In the chemical sciences, teamwork has become increasingly crucial. With the rapid development of numerous techniques and new methods, it is no longer feasible for individuals to possess all of the latest equipment and expertise necessary to gather and analyse data. Therefore, collaboration to combine the strengths of different experts from various fields is essential to accelerate our comprehension and make novel discoveries.