Skip to content Accessibility statement

York scientist wins Royal Society prize

News

Posted on Tuesday 5 August 2014

A University of York scientist is the recipient of a major award from the Royal Society in recognition of his ‘significant impact on science education within the UK’.

The Royal Society awarded the 2014 Kavli Education Prize to Professor Sir John Holman, of the University’s Department of Chemistry. He is among 19 recipients of the Royal Society’s 2014 awards, medals and prize lectures in recognition of their achievements in a wide variety of fields of research.

Sir John said: “It is a great honour to receive this prize from the world's premier scientific society. I have also been privileged to be part of the Royal Society's Vision programme, setting out a blueprint for science and mathematics education for the coming years.”

Earlier this year, he was the Royal Society of Chemistry Lord Lewis Prize winner for 2014, which recognised his extensive influence over chemistry education policy. As well as being an Emeritus Professor in Chemistry at York, Sir John is adviser in Education at the Wellcome Trust and the Gatsby Foundation. 

He was the founding Director of the National Science Learning Centre from 2004 until September 2010, and adviser to the English government as National Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Director from 2006 until September 2010. He has taught learners of chemistry and science at all levels from 11 year olds to undergraduates and currently teaches chemistry to undergraduates at York. 

The full list of Royal Society Awards, Medals and Prize Lectures is here: https://royalsociety.org/awards/medallists/2014/

Further information

Explore more news

News

8 October 2026

Simple changes to pub environments can encourage drinkers to choose alcohol-free options without harming profits, according to new research.

News

8 October 2026

A new support programme can increase the number of patients who successfully self-regulate their intake of long-term strong-opioid painkillers without worsening quality of life, a study has shown.

News

5 October 2026

The University of York’s Cost of Living Research Group has looked at modern living standards across the city and revealed the extent of hidden pockets of poverty and inequality in one of the North’s most affluent cities.

News

1 October 2026

A new study has shown that faith leaders would be willing to partner on hypertension screenings and education, despite challenges of past health collaborations.

News

29 September 2026

Scores of students and staff welcomed Sir Kevin Sinfield to the University’s athletics track as part of his final endurance event to raise money for motor neurone disease charities.

Read more news