UNSW celebrates two top honours at the 2025 RACI National Awards
Universities often make headlines for groundbreaking discoveries, but this year UNSW Sydney is making news for what it calls a “chemistry is life” moment. Two researchers from the School of Chemistry in UNSW Science were recognised at the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) National Awards for extraordinary contributions to chemical sciences. The awards spotlight work spanning biomedical innovations to clean energy technology, underscoring UNSW’s role in shaping the future of chemistry in Australia.
Meet the recipients: Pioneering chemistry at the lab bench and beyond
The university’s success centers on the work of Professor Pall Thordarson and Professor Chuan Zhao. Each brings a distinctive focus to the awards, reflecting the breadth of chemistry’s impact on health, industry, and the environment.
Professor Pall Thordarson – Leighton Memorial Medal for eminent services to chemistry
Professor Thordarson is a renowned figure in supramolecular chemistry and nanotechnology. The Leighton Memorial Medal, one of RACI’s most prestigious honours, recognises outstanding contributions to research, technology, leadership and the advancement of the chemical sciences. Thordarson’s career began in organic chemistry and expanded into the interface of chemistry and biology, exploring carbon-based molecules as building blocks of life and modern materials.
Known across science and medical communities for breakthroughs in biomimetic systems, Thordarson’s work features smart gels, biodevices and innovations that enhance cancer therapies and diagnostics. His research has driven advances in biosensors and therapeutic strategies, including efforts to reduce chemotherapy side effects by improving targeted drug delivery. As Director of the RNA Institute—the nation’s leading hub for RNA research—he oversees interdisciplinary work at the nexus of biology, chemistry and medicine, accelerating RNA technologies for vaccines and disease treatments.
“Chemistry is life,” Thordarson has often proclaimed, reflecting his conviction that every aspect of the world is grounded in chemical processes. His leadership and discoveries underscore how chemistry, biology and materials science converge to improve health outcomes and broaden the frontiers of medical technology.
Professor Chuan Zhao – Applied Research Award for green energy breakthroughs
Professor Zhao is celebrated for advancing low-cost catalysts and electrochemical materials that enable clean, sustainable energy production. His work focuses on using renewable energy to power hydrogen generation, a cornerstone of the global shift toward net-zero economies. Zhao’s innovations have translated into practical technologies—patented materials and spinout ventures that improve the efficiency of water electrolyzers and lower the cost of green hydrogen.
A key theme of Zhao’s research is the development of catalysts based on abundant elements such as nickel and iron, offering a viable alternative to precious metals like platinum. By reducing material costs and enabling scalable production of hydrogen, Zhao’s work tackles one of the biggest hurdles to widespread adoption of green hydrogen and decarbonized energy systems.
His 3D-electrode technology has become a benchmark in laboratories worldwide and has found broad uptake in the hydrogen industry, contributing to lower energy consumption and higher yields in hydrogen production. Zhao’s achievements build on a broader movement within UNSW toward sustainable energy solutions and real-world environmental impact.
Why these awards matter for UNSW and Australia
UNSW Dean of Science Professor Sven Rogge highlighted the enduring value of the National Awards: recognizing scientists across career stages who push the boundaries of chemistry to benefit society. The pairing of Thordarson’s life-science–oriented chemistry and Zhao’s energy-focused electrochemistry demonstrates how chemistry can simultaneously enhance health and power a greener economy.
Looking ahead: chemistry as a driver of future innovation
Professor Amanda Ellis, President of RACI, emphasised that the 2025 winners illustrate more than personal achievement. Their stories underscore collaboration, diversity and a shared vision for chemistry’s role in addressing global challenges—from medicine to energy security. As UNSW researchers translate laboratory breakthroughs into real-world solutions, the institution’s leadership in chemistry education, research and entrepreneurship positions Australia at the forefront of the next wave of scientific discovery.
For more information about the RACI National Awards and the 2025 winners, visit the RACI website.
