2021 RACI National Awards recipients announced

Written by Michelle Jeavons

Published 11 November 2021 

The RACI is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2021 RACI National Awards. The awards recognise and promote the contributions and achievements of our members across leadership, research and innovation, education, women in chemistry and early career chemists categories. 

Meet our 2021 National Awards recipients

Applied Research Award
Professor Justin Gooding, FRACI CChem

The Applied Research Award is given to a member of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute who has contributed significantly towards the development of, or innovation through, applied research, or in industrial fields.

Weickhardt Medal
Professor Anthony Weiss, FRACI CChem

This Award is made every year to a full member (MRACI and above) of the RACI who, in the opinion of the judging committee has contributed significantly towards the economic advancement of the Australian economy through work in the chemistry area.

Margaret Sheil Leadership Award
Professor Kate Jolliffe, FRACI CChem

The Margaret Sheil Leadership Award recognises an outstanding female leader working in the chemical sciences.

Fensham Medal for Outstanding Contribution to Chemical Education
Professor Gwen Lawrie, FRACI CChem

Recognising outstanding contributions to the teaching of chemistry and science in general over an extended period, the Fensham Medal is the most senior award for education in the RACI.

Cornforth Medal
Dr Pei Lay Yap, MRACI CChem

The medal, bearing the words "For a Thesis on Chemical Research", recognises outstanding achievement in chemistry and to promote chemical communication.

HG Smith Memorial Award
Professor Spencer Williams, FRACI CChem

Recognises contribution to the development of some branch of chemical science.

Leighton Memorial Medal
Professor Michelle Coote, FRACI CChem

Awarded in recognition of eminent services to chemistry in Australia in the broadest sense. Commemorates the distinguished career of A E Leighton.

Citations Award
Associate Professor Amir Karton, MRACI CChem

There are a considerable number of chemists - members of the RACI - who make substantial contributions to chemistry, and, especially to the progress of the profession over a period of many years.

Rennie Memorial Medal
Dr Markus Müllner, MRACI

Recognises excellence in research in chemical science.

RACI Chemistry Educator of the Year Award
Dr Reyne Pullen, MRACI

This award is designed to encourage developing teachers, and is open to tutors, lecturers and senior lecturers teaching in undergraduate or postgraduate University courses.

Centenary of Federation Teaching Awards in Chemistry
Lesli Findlay, MRACI

The RACI offers a series of annual awards for the recognition and reward of outstanding excellence in the teaching of chemistry in Australia at both primary and secondary school levels.

Rita Cornforth Lectureship
Dr Becky Fuller, MRACI CChem

The award is offered to an outstanding female early-career chemist for an opportunity to gain broader recognition of their career achievements to date.

Masson Memorial Scholarship Prize
Bethany Yee

Established as a memorial to the late Sir David Orme Masson, Founder of the RACI, this prestigious scholarship is open to RACI members who are eligible to proceed for a year's study of Chemistry at BSc Honours level.

Masson Memorial Scholarship Prize
Edward Moore

Established as a memorial to the late Sir David Orme Masson, Founder of the RACI, this prestigious scholarship is open to RACI members who are eligible to proceed for a year's study of Chemistry at BSc Honours level.

Distinguished Fellowship Award 

Professor Stephen Pyne, FRACI CChem
Dr Richard Thwaites, Hon FRACI CChem
David Edmonds, FRACI CChem
Dr Pieter Scheelings, Hon FRACI CChem
Dr Dave Winkler, Hon FRACI CChem

A distinguished fellowship is the recognition of highly distinguished contributions to the profession in academia, government or industry and the RACI.

Contact Us
Please contact our RACI National Awards team on [email protected]

Find out more
To find out more about the RACI National Awards and past recipients click here.