UNSW tops the nation at prestigious national chemistry awards

UNSW academics were recognised for outstanding achievements and contributions in the field of chemistry at the 2024 Royal Australian Chemical Institute National Awards.

Four researchers from UNSW’s School of Chemistry have been recognised at the 2024 Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) National Awards, more than any other university.

Professor Chuan Zhao won the HG Smith Memorial Award, Dr Martina Lessio was awarded the Rita Cornforth Lectureship, Dr Sara Kyne was the recipient of the Chemistry Educator of the Year Award and Dr Laura McKemmish received the Vicki Gardiner Advocacy Award.

The Awards celebrate excellence across various categories, honouring individuals who have made significant contributions to the chemical sciences.

UNSW Dean of Science Professor Sven Rogge congratulated the award recipients for their dedication, passion, and innovation driving the future of chemistry in Australia. 

“The RACI National Awards recognise exceptional chemists across all career stages. I am very proud of Professor Zhao and Drs Kyne, Lessio and McKemmish for their outstanding contributions to UNSW and broader science communities,” he said.

HG Smith Memorial Award

Professor Chuan Zhao was named winner of the HG Smith Memorial Award. One of RACI’s most prestigious awards, it recognises outstanding contributions to the development of chemical science through research and innovation.

Prof. Zhao is a pioneer in developing low-cost catalyst materials for green hydrogen production. His research group —  the NanoElectroChemistry Lab —  focuses on electrochemical challenges in energy and biomedicine using nanotechnology and nano electrochemistry. This includes electrochemical energy conversion and storage, green chemistry, and electrochemical sensors, and combines analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, and materials science and biomedical engineering.

Rita Cornforth Lectureship

Dr Martina Lessio was awarded the Rita Cornforth Lectureship, which recognises an outstanding female early career chemist (up to seven years post-PhD). The prize will fund a lecture tour to help Dr Lessio achieve broader recognition and to establish new networks to further her career.

Dr Lessio is a Scientia Lecturer in the School of Chemistry and head of the Computational Chemistry and Materials Science for Sustainability Applications research group, which focuses on using computational chemistry and materials science for sustainability applications. She is particularly interested in using computational tools to aid the development of new materials for improved plastic recycling and clean water technologies, as well as the creation of new conservation treatments for our heritage sites and artefacts.

Chemistry Educator of the Year Award

Dr Sara Kyne was the recipient of the Chemistry Educator of the Year Award, which honours an outstanding early career chemist (up to eight years post-PhD) for excellence in teaching chemistry.

Dr Kyne is a passionate educator who focuses on inclusive learning environments and assessment practices, using the power of data to research and evaluate their effectiveness, and systems thinking to design context-based learning activities.  She also specialises in researching sustainable catalytic reactions to improve the environmental impact and sustainability of everyday products.

Vicki Gardiner Advocacy Award

Dr Laura McKemmish received the Vicki Gardiner Advocacy Award, which recognises outstanding leadership in the areas of promotion of chemistry, outreach, mentorship and inspiration, and the provision of a more equitable workplace.

Dr McKemmish is a quantum chemist and molecular physicist whose specialty is theoretical and computational modelling of molecules, particularly their spectroscopy — a technique that involves measuring the intensity of light at different wavelengths to determine the composition, structure, and properties of substances. Her work is mainly applied to studies in astronomy.

As coordinator of UNSW’s SciX program, she leads the delivery of immersive research experiences for over 600 high school students each year, significantly enhancing their engagement and skills in science. She also mentors PhD students, supports mental health initiatives, and advocates for diversity and inclusion within the scientific community.