Following the nomination, Dr Steve Lancaster, Analytical Sciences Team Leader at Domino Printing, was given The Royal Society of Chemistry’s (RSC) Inspirational Member Award for his work with its Pan Africa Chemistry Network.
The RSC’s Inspirational Member Award, which celebrates the efforts of those who go above and beyond to support their colleagues and the wider community, was in recognition of Steve’s dedication to developing an analytical chemistry training programme in Africa.
After receiving the award, Steve Lancaster said: “I am honoured and humbled to be the winner of an Inspirational Member Award and feel privileged to have been able to work with hundreds of African scientists to develop their analytical chemistry skills. I am delighted to see them developing and going on to contribute in all kinds of ways in their institutions and their countries.
“I hope that I have inspired my trainees in analytical chemistry as I have certainly been inspired by their dedication, thirst for knowledge and sense of fun, and I look forward to continuing this work with them in the future.”
Dr Helen Pain, Acting Chief Executive, The RSC added: “We live in an era of tremendous global challenges, with the need for science recognised now more so than ever. It’s incredibly important to recognise those who are making significant contributions behind the scenes towards improving the world we live in, as well as inspiring colleagues within the chemical sciences community to do what they can for the people around them. It is for this reason we are proud to be presenting this award to Steve for his work in developing an analytical chemistry programme in Africa.”
Image: Steve Lancaster from Domino Printing with some of his African students (taken pre COVID-19).