UNSW Crowned with Dual RACI National Awards
Two UNSW Sydney scientists have been celebrated at the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) National Awards, underscoring the university’s leadership in biomedical technologies and sustainable energy. Professors Pall Thordarson and Chuan Zhao from the School of Chemistry, UNSW Science, were recognised for landmark contributions that are shaping chemistry, medicine, and the transition to a net-zero economy.
Leighton Memorial Medal: Celebrating Chemistry’s Visionaries
The Leighton Memorial Medal, one of RACI’s most prestigious honours, was awarded to Professor Pall Thordarson for eminence in chemistry in Australia. A renowned figure in supramolecular chemistry and nanotechnology, Thordarson’s work spans from designing life-mimicking systems to pioneering biomedical devices. His research sits at the interface of chemistry and biology, exploring how complex chemical networks can be harnessed to diagnose and treat disease.
“Chemistry is life,” Thordarson has said, emphasizing that the discipline underpins everything from the molecules we ingest to the materials we use daily. His teams have produced life-changing technologies, including smart gels, biodevices that enhance targeted drug delivery, and advanced biosensors for medical applications. As Director of UNSW’s RNA Institute, Australia’s leading hub for RNA research, he leads efforts across biology, chemistry, and medicine to translate fundamental science into real-world therapies and vaccines.
Thordarson’s approach reflects a broader mission: advancing chemistry to improve health outcomes while expanding our understanding of life at the molecular level. His work demonstrates how chemical science can drive medical breakthroughs, reduce treatment side effects, and pave the way for novel therapies that rely on sophisticated molecular recognition and assembly.
Applied Research Award: Advancing Green Hydrogen Technologies
Professor Chuan Zhao received the Applied Research and Innovation Award for his pivotal work on electrochemical materials and methods that enable cleaner, more affordable energy. Zhao’s research focuses on electrocatalysis and the development of low-cost catalysts made from abundant elements such as nickel and iron, challenging the traditional reliance on precious metals like platinum.
His innovations have materially impacted the hydrogen economy by improving the efficiency and reducing the cost of water electrolysis, a core process for producing green hydrogen. Zhao’s patented three-dimensional electrode technology has gained global recognition and has been adopted by laboratories and industry to lower the cost of hydrogen production. These advances support scalable, sustainable energy systems and contribute to Australia’s net-zero transition.
“The biggest hurdle for widespread green hydrogen adoption is cost,” Zhao remarked. “Economical catalysts made from common elements are key to decarbonising energy systems.” His work, including spinout ventures, demonstrates how fundamental chemistry can translate into practical solutions that accelerate the shift to renewable energy sources.
Leadership, Collaboration, and the Future of Chemistry
Rah-rah moments like these highlight more than individual achievement. UNSW Dean of Science, Professor Sven Rogge, praised the winners for their commitment, passion, and innovation that propel the future of chemistry in Australia. The celebration underscores how researchers at UNSW collaborate across disciplines to tackle global challenges—from health to energy security.
Astride of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute’s 2025 National Awards, says Amanda Ellis, President of RACI, that these recognitions reflect not only talent but community, diversity, and shared vision. The stories of Thordarson and Zhao illustrate how chemistry is applied to real-world problems, driving health advances and clean energy solutions that benefit society at large.
What This Means for UNSW and Beyond
These awards affirm UNSW’s role as a catalyst for transformative science. With leaders in RNA therapeutics and green energy catalysis, the university stands at the forefront of initiatives that could redefine how medicines are developed and how affordable, sustainable energy is produced. As the broader chemistry community examines the implications of these achievements, UNSW’s researchers are likely to build on this momentum, turning groundbreaking lab discoveries into tools that improve lives around the world.
About RACI and the Awards
The Royal Australian Chemical Institute’s National Awards recognise exceptional contributions to chemical sciences across career stages, celebrating achievement, leadership, and impact. Details about the 2025 awards are available on RACI’s website.
