Chris Hardacre, head of chemistry and chemical engineering at Queen's University Belfast, UK has been awarded the inaugural IChemE Andrew Medal in recognition of his contribution to the field of heterogeneous catalysis.

Hardacre will be presented with the prize, introduced in memory of the late Syd Andrew, a distinguished professor in the field, at the Institution's first Chemical Engineering and Catalysis conference in London in June. Hardacre's research is recognized as world-leading and brings together chemical engineers and chemists.

Examples of the application of the research include new catalysts for low temperature hydrogenation of acids and amides, increased efficiency of liquid phase dehydrogenations and higher activity emission control systems.

"I am honoured by the award of the Andrew medal that has recognised our work in the field of catalysis," says Hardacre.

"We study the fundamental mechanisms of heterogeneously catalysed reactions in both liquid and gas phases via conventional and new in-situ techniques developed in Queen's. These methods provide information on both the catalyst structure and kinetics of the surface processes under realistic conditions."