CPLAS researcher awarded JMT catalysis medal

CPLAS Imperial Lead Professor Ifan Stephens has been awarded the Sir John Meurig Thomas Catalysis Medal 2025 by the UK Catalysis Hub. The award recognises his outstanding contributions to catalysis, particularly in electrocatalysis and sustainable energy conversion.

Professor Stephens was selected from a competitive field of nominations for leading mid-career scientists working in the UK. Judges of this year’s Sir John Meurig Thomas Medal said, “We are delighted to award the 2025 JMT Medal to Professor Ifan Stephens for his pioneering and multidisciplinary contributions to electrocatalysis and sustainable energy conversion. His research spans oxygen electrochemistry, hydrogen peroxide synthesis, nitrogen fixation, and battery diagnostics, combining fundamental insight with industrial relevance. Professor Stephens’ work is characterised by innovation, originality, and impactful collaborations across academia and industry, leading to advances with clear commercial and environmental significance.”

Reflecting on the award, Professor Stephens said:

“I am deeply honoured to receive the John Meurig Thomas Medal. As a Welsh scientist, it feels especially meaningful to receive an award named after Sir John, whose work continues to inspire so many of us. I am also glad that the UK Catalysis Hub recognises the growing importance of electrocatalysis at a time when sustainable routes to fuels and chemicals are becoming ever more urgent.”

The medal honours the legacy of Sir John Meurig Thomas, one of the most influential figures in catalytic science, and was established by the UK Catalysis Hub in 2016.

Read more on the UK Catalysis Hub website