Biography
Awards
2021 Royal Society of Chemistry Organic Division Horizon Prize: Perkin Prize in Physical Organic Chemistry (awarded 2021) – titled “Uncovering the hidden paths in C–H activation catalysis” A cross-disciplinary collaboration between the University of York, the Central Laser Facility and Syngenta Crop Protection has won the Organic Division Horizon Prize: Perkin Prize in Physical Organic Chemistry after creating a process that could make thousands of products more sustainable.
2019 SCI AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer and Syngenta Prize for Process Chemistry Research (Awarded 2019)
2016 RSC Corday-Morgan Prize and Medal
2015 Research Supervisor of the Year Award at the University of York (YUSU)
2012 Vice Chancellor’s Gold Award for Leading Research Support at the University of York
2007 AstraZeneca Younger Researcher Award
2005 Set-for-Britain Prize
2004-2012 Royal Society University Research Fellowship
2003 RSC Mendola Medal for Organic Chemistry
Background and Interests
I was born in 1975 in Crewe (South Cheshire), England. I lived in Crewe until 1 years old, then moved initially to Rode Heath (South Cheshire), moving to Scholar Green (3 miles down the road) when 9 years old, attending Scholar Green Primary School. As a young child I was allowed to roam-free, playing in ponds (mainly with rare newts and frogs), woods and fields for most of the time. I moved to Heathfield High School in 1986 (now Congleton High School). During year 7, I played the role of Hrothgar in Beowulf, my one and only cameo as an actor. Later on as a teenager I was a reasonable middle distance runner for the City of Stoke Athletics Club (at Northwood Athletics Stadium) between 1987 and 1992. At high school I won the 1991 Harold Burns Trophy for Motor Vehicle Studies. While being close to taking-up an apprenticeship working within the motor industry (aged 16 years old), I decided to follow interests in Chemistry, inspired by my then teacher, ‘Doc’ Michael Griffiths, which was a pivotal moment in my early career. The road to academia was both bumpy and exciting. Over the years I have been inspired by several great people, who have acted as mentors and role models: Dr. Julia Dickinson (MMU), Dr. Ken Williamson (MMU), Dr. David Kelly (MMU), Prof. Guy Lloyd-Jones (Bristol, now Edinburgh), Prof. Richard Taylor (York) and Prof. Robin Perutz (York). I now enjoy seeing my students flourish and them going on to greater things.
In my spare time, I enjoy running with York Knavesmire Harriers, racing and parkrun. My favourite sports person of all time is Steve Cram, closely followed by Steve Ovett.
Being close to the Potteries (Stoke-on-Trent) for most of my youth, I worked for a famous pottery company during vacation breaks while studying at University. During this time, I met some truly wonderful and inspiring people working on a factory floor.
As time passes by I have developing interests in gardening and cooking. Holding on to my youth, I play the guitar and make useful things with Lego Technic (mainly for scientific outreach) and am the proud owner of a complete 1970s/1980s Lego Space collection.
Career and Education
At the University of York
- January 2010 – Present: Professorship. Based in both inorganic and organic chemistry sections at the University of York, formally-assigned to the latter section.
- October 2007 – December 2009: Senior Researcher (equivalent to Associate Professor).
- October 2004 – September 2007: Lecturer B in organic chemistry (equivalent to Assistant Professor).
- November 2001 – September 2004: Lecturer A in organic chemistry (equivalent to Assistant Professor).
At the University of Bristol
- March 2000 – October 2001: Post-Doctoral Researcher with Professor Guy C. Lloyd-Jones – Project Title: Mechanisms in Palladium Catalysis
BSc and PhD
- October 1996 – 2000 (Formally Graduating in 2001): PhD in organic chemistry with Dr Julia M. Dickinson
- October 1993 – 1996: BSc in chemistry, MMU, Manchester (UK)
Contact information
Prof. Ian J. S. Fairlamb,
Department of Chemistry, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK
fairlamb.group 