The Catalyst Award

This award is designed to recognise an early career chemist for outstanding innovation in applied chemistry in the workplace (industrial, commercial, government or education). "someone who incites action or activity in the Chemical arena.

About this award

This award is designed to recognise an early career chemist – and is awarded by the RACI for outstanding innovation in applied chemistry in the workplace (industrial, commercial, government or education). As the name suggests – someone who incites action or activity in the Chemical arena.

The award requires either self-nomination or nomination by another RACI member. The candidate is required to be a financial RACI member for a minimum of 12 months and to have graduated from a tertiary institution in Australia or overseas having studied a predominantly Chemistry based course.

The candidate, in their current job/role, should be applying the scientific skills learned during study.

The candidate must be in the early stages of their career (within 8 years of their highest qualification – career breaks will be considered).

Please provide: - a description (no more than 1 page PDF) of a key project or innovation from your/ their career - a current CV and any involvement in an RACI activity will be looked upon favourably - names and email addresses of two RACI members who know you/the candidate personally and are prepared to act as referees

After the closing date, no further nominations for the award shall be accepted.

If in the opinion of the Board there is no candidate who has sufficient merit, the Board may refrain from making an award. The decision of the Board is final and no discussions or correspondence will be entered into.

The RACI National Awards are open from 1 April to 30 June.
During this time, you are invited to submit applications below.

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Pei Lay Yap

 I lead the Renewable Resources and Sustainability (R2S) research group at the Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Melbourne. My research is centred on advancing sustainability through the innovative application of nanotechnology and chemistry, focusing on developing functional nanomaterials as catalysts for CO2 conversion and utilisation, green hydrogen production, and advancing recycling methods for end-of-life lithium-ion batteries to support green metal production and the circular economy. The importance of my work lies in its potential to significantly mitigate environmental impacts and lead the way toward cleaner energy solutions and resource sustainability. By addressing these interconnected areas, my research reduces carbon footprints and enhances the global capacity for sustainable development.  

Dr. Helena Wang

2024 Catalyst Award Recipient