The UK Catalysis Hub and Research Complex at Harwell would like to Congratulate Richard Catlow on being awarded a Knighthood in the Queenâs Birthday Honours 2020.
Sir Charles Richard Arthur Catlow FRS FRSC FInstP is a British chemist and professor with a joint appointment at University College London and Cardiff University. He is also the PI of the âOptimising, Predicting and Designing New Catalystsâ theme of the UK Catalysis Hub based at the Research Complex at Harwell (RCaH).
Professor Richard Catlow has worked for over thirty years in the field of computational and experimental studies of complex inorganic materials, pioneering a wide range of applications of computational techniques in solid state chemistry including microporous and oxide catalysts, ionic conductors, electronic ceramics and silicate minerals. His group has been instrumental in technique and code development, including recent work on embedded cluster methodologies for application to the study of catalytic reactions.
Professor Catlow’s research has led to over 1080 publications, and in 2004 he was elected to Fellowship of the Royal Society for pioneering the development and application of computer modelling in solid state and materials chemistry. He is currently Professor of Computational and Materials Chemistry at UCL and jointly Professor of Catalytic and Computational Chemistry at Cardiff University. Richard is also Foreign Secretary and Vice President of the Royal Society.
Professor Catlow is one of the founding members of the UK Catalysis Hub and has led the Research programme running at RCaH since 2013 focussing on a wide range of fundamental projects related to the understanding of catalytic processes, design of better catalysts and in particular developing the use of large facilities such as Diamond light source and ISIS Neutron and Muon source for Catalysis Research. The research programme has focused on the fundamental understanding of how catalysts operate to drive innovation and the design of new catalysts and new techniques for understanding catalytic processes. It has been fundamental to the success of this research and a testament to the strong links between theoretical and experimental research in Professor Catlowâs research to foster strong connections with the facilities of the Diamond Light Source, the ISIS Neutron Source and the Central Laser Facility. It is a unique accomplishment to have such a joined up activity at one site.
 I am naturally very pleased to have been awarded this honour, both personally and for the recognition with it gives to the key role of science and research, including research in catalytic science
Sir Richard Catlow
You can see the full list of the Queen’s Birthday Honours at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/birthday-honours-list-2020-cabinet-office