Rank Prizes awarded
Nutrition
Optoelectronics
Video
We are pleased to announce that the 2022 Rank Prizes have now been formally awarded. A special 50th anniversary prizegiving ceremony was held at the IET in London on 4th July with presentations from the winners.
The 2022 Rank Prize for Nutrition was awarded to Professor Cathie Martin of the John Innes Centre for her outstanding research into plant genetics and metabolism, which has resulted in fruit and vegetables with enhanced nutritional qualities. Professor Martin’s work on gene-edited tomatoes recently hit the headlines when it was announced that these tomatoes, which can boost the body’s store of vitamin D, could soon be sold in the UK.
Professor John C. Mathers, Chair of Rank Prize’s Nutrition Committee, explained that: “Professor Martin is a powerful advocate, and practitioner, of plant science for human health. As we tackle the twin challenges of increasing human health and protecting the health of the planet, her research is globally significant.”
The winners of the 2022 Rank Prize for Optoelectronics are seven internationally leading scientists who have pioneered the development of a new solar-cell technology based on perovskite semiconductors which looks set to play a key role in the future of solar power:
- Professor Michael Graetzel
- Dr Akihiro Kojima
- Dr Michael Lee
- Professor Tsutomu Miyasaka
- Professor Nam-Gyu Park
- Professor Sang Il Seok
- Professor Henry Snaith
Professor Donal Bradley, Chair of Rank Prize’s Optoelectronics Committee, noted that “the work of these researchers is an excellent example of fundamental contributions to physical science being rapidly and successfully translated into new technology that is poised to address truly urgent societal challenges linked to climate change.”
Following the ceremony, there was the opportunity for guests to mingle and discuss the presentations. After so many months of online meetings, it was a pleasure to bring people together again in person to celebrate the achievements of the winners.
Watch the prize ceremony here:
Photos: Carl Bigmore