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Three Imperial academics from Physics, Chemical Engineering and Mathematics have been awarded Royal Society medals, announced today.

Professor Sir John Pendry FRS, Professor Sir Martin Hairer FRS, and Professor Jason Hallett are among 27 new Royal Society medal and award winners recognised for their outstanding contributions to scientific discovery.

Professor Sir John Pendry FRS

SIr John, father of metamaterials and ‘invisibility cloak’ pioneer, has been awarded the world’s oldest scientific prize, the Royal Society’s Copley Medal. Previous winners include Louis Pasteur, Dorothy Hodgkin, Albert Einstein, Stephen Hawking and Charles Darwin.

It is a privilege to pursue unanswered questions, and that this work has captured imaginations, and spurred further interest is reward in itself Professor Sir John Pendry

He is recognised for his work on the concept and designs of metamaterials that represent the greatest advance in electromagnetism since Michael Faraday and James Clerk Maxwell. 

Professor Pendry said: “I am honoured to be receiving this award. It is a privilege to pursue unanswered questions, and that this work has captured imaginations, and spurred further interest is reward in itself. 

“Showcasing our work to a public audience is one of the most important aspects of a major prize like this. The public pays for most of the science we do, and it is our duty as scientists to let the public know what they are getting for their money.” 

Professor Sir Martin Hairer FRS

Sir Hairer, in the Department of Mathematics, has been awarded the Royal Society Sylvester Medal for his ground-breaking work in probability theory.

Professor Hairer developed the theory of regularity structures which gives a precise mathematical meaning to many equations that have previously sat outside the scope of mathematical analysis.

I’m grateful for the many collaborations and conversations that have shaped my research over the years Professor Martin Hairer

Professor Hairer said: "I’m deeply honoured to be awarded the Sylvester Medal by the Royal Society.

"It is very rewarding to see my work recognised by the mathematical community, and I’m grateful for the many collaborations and conversations that have shaped my research over the years."

Professor Jason Hallett

Professor Hallett in the Department of Chemical Engineering has received the Mullard Medal in recognition of his pioneering work on the development of ionic liquids as commercially relevant solvents in biorefining and the circular economy. 

Professor Hallett said: “I could not be more thrilled to be awarded the Mullard Medal. The history and prestige of the Royal Society is unparalleled. I am humbled to be recognised with this medal.”

The highlights for me have absolutely been the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ I have worked with over the years. Professor Jason Hallett

Looking ahead, he believes that biorefining and recycling are set to play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable future.

"It’s an exciting time for biorefining and recycling because of how well these areas match up with advances in renewable energy, biotechnology and hydrogen. These aspects make biomass and waste more attractive feedstocks than ever, and they should play a central role in displacing fossil carbon,” he said.

“The highlights for me have absolutely been the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ I have worked with over the years. Most of our innovations and all of the drive toward commercial translation has come about because of their brilliance and hard work.”