Celebrating the UK’s Top Young Scientists

At the historic Banqueting House of Whitehall in London, on March 4, 2020, distinguished guests gathered to celebrate the 2020 Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists in the United Kingdom. This black-tie affair was hosted by the Blavatnik Family Foundation and the New York Academy of Sciences. 2001 Nobel Laureate Sir Paul Nurse, Chief Executive and Director of the Francis Crick Institute, served as Master of Ceremonies for the evening.

The historic Banqueting House located in Whitehall, London

During his introductory remarks, Sir Paul commented, “What makes these awards special and exciting is that the awardees are not just being honored … they are also being recognized for the work they are going to do in the future.” Speaking to the cohort of Blavatnik Awards programs across the US, UK, and Israel he added, “We do like to think of this year’s Finalists and Laureates as the newest members of the global Blavatnik Awards family, with a connection unimpeded by geography and related to each other by shared scientific excellence.”

Honorees of the 2020 Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists in the UK

In each scientific category—Chemistry, Physical Sciences & Engineering, and Life Sciences—two Finalists were each awarded prizes of $30,000, and one Laureate was awarded $100,000. Honorees were recognized for their innovative discoveries ranging from microbubble engineering and clean energy development to the discovery of new planets and advances in medicine, physics, and fossil dating technologies.

Victoria Gill of BBC News (right) hosting a panel discussion at GAME CHANGERS: 9 Young Scientists Transforming Our World

The following day, the honorees shared their cutting-edge research in a public symposium hosted by BBC News Science Correspondent, Victoria Gill, entitled Game Changers: 9 Young Scientists Transforming our World. The symposium was attended by scientists and science enthusiasts of all ages, and the honorees’ lectures were followed by an interactive panel discussion on the future of scientific research in the United Kingdom.

(From left to right) Incoming NYAS President and CEO, Prof. Nicholas Dirks; NYAS President Emeritus, Ellis Rubinstein; Director of the Francis Crick Institute, Nobel Laureate, and the evening’s Master of Ceremonies, Sir Paul Nurse

A photo album from the ceremony and symposium festivities can be found here. To learn more about the Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists in the United Kingdom, or to read more details about the 2020 Blavatnik Awards in the UK awards ceremony, click here or visit the Blavatnik Awards website at blavatnikawards.org.

Nominations for the 2021 Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists in the United Kingdom will open April 29, 2020 through June 24, 2020.