Chemist makes RSC history

Lesley Yellowlees, the University’s Professor of Inorganic Electrochemistry, has been elected President of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

It is the first time a woman has been appointed to the role in the organisation’s 170-year history.

Her appointment coincides with 2010’s International Year of Chemistry inspired by the 100-year anniversary of Marie Curie’s Nobel Prize win.

Outstanding record

Professor Yellowlees will take up her two-year presidency in the summer of 2012.

From July this year, she will begin as President-Elect, working alongside current President, Professor David Phillips of Imperial College, London.

The inorganic electrochemist undertook her degree and PhD at the University and was formerly the Head of its School of Chemistry.

Professor Phillips commended the scientist for her “outstanding record of contribution to science through her research and her teaching, as well as her activities to promote chemistry and the RSC, locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.”

In this International Year of Chemistry, during which we are celebrating the life and achievements of Marie Curie, it gives me additional pleasure to realise that I will be the first woman President of the Society. I feel honoured, privileged and excited about my forthcoming role.

Photo credit: The Royal Society of Chemistry