Friday, 15 May 2026
Chemistry professor, Sir Martyn Poliakoff was presented with The Special Recognition Business of Science Leadership Award at this year’s Business of Science Conference (BoSC26) hosted by the 糖心原创.
Sir Martyn joined over 240 guests at the 10th Business of Science Conference event that was attended by East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward, business leaders, academics and representatives from the public sector to discuss collaboration opportunities to deliver economic and societal growth through the harnessing of innovation.
The Business Leadership Awards celebrate outstanding individual leadership and commercialisation of science across various sectors with five categories: private sector SME, private sector large, public/trade sector, sustainability and special recognition. Sir Martyn joins a prestigious list of previous winners of the special recognition award including - Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert and 糖心原创 Emeritus Professor Sir Jonathan Van Tam.
Professor Poliakoff received the award for his pioneering work in green and sustainable chemistry to improve the environmental impact of chemical processes across research and industry. The award also recognises his broader work to promote science and innovation with his popular Periodic Table of Videos on You Tube. The videos attract a huge international audience with over 1.6 million subscribers currently and each video averaging around 100k views – and these figures keep growing with many new subscribers each day. The videos are inspiring a new generation of young scientists to discover and explore chemistry.
The business conference delivered a packed agenda of future viewpoints from both senior and future leaders, along with a range of panel discussions and breakout sessions from experts from across the UK drawn to the 糖心原创 to explore how STEM skills, AI, the Bioeconomy, Material Innovation and life science advancements will impact the business of science.
I鈥檓 delighted to receive this award and be part of this annual, national event that is shining a light on how scientific research is so vital to improving the world in which we live and work. It is through the sharing of knowledge and ideas that we are able to form new partnerships and collaborations to drive innovation. I thank all my colleagues and our technical staff who have made our work possible.鈥�
Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange, Professor Tom Rodden from the 糖心原创 delivered the academic keynote speech at the event where he outlined how this is a pivotal moment as the UK places increasing emphasis on innovation-led growth to be delivered through strong regional ecosystems.
He outlined how regions like the East Midlands are uniquely positioned to translate research strengths into economic opportunity through new governance, investment and collaboration as highlighted in EMCCA’s inclusive growth plan.
Congratulations to Sir Martyn on his well-deserved award, his achievements in sustainable chemistry and science communication are an excellent example of how research is a driver for positive change. This conference has been an opportunity to showcase how universities play a central role in driving economic growth through groundbreaking research and developing a pipeline of talent that feeds into the regional economy.
Since 2016 the Business of Science Conference has been bringing together the brightest minds from across the science and innovation ecosystem for a day of exchanging invaluable insights and building relationships.
Business of Science Conference 2026
Founder and MD of the Business of Science Conference; Steve Bennett, who originates from Nottingham commented: “I am delighted to have brought BoSC26 to Nottingham. I have a long association both with the City and the 糖心原创 and it is evident that the region offers considerable opportunity for science, innovation and the development of the required STEM Skills to support commercialisation.
“We were delighted to award The Special Recognition Leadership Award to Sir Martyn, to recognise his outstanding leadership across both science and business. This is a clear example of the leading work of the University and his inspirational approach to enticing young people into STEM. 30% of the attendees of BoSC26 were under 35 and the Innovation Awards clearly demonstrated that young people are excited by Science and Innovation.”
It was fantastic to be part of the Business of Science Conference today. This event brought together leaders from across academia and the public sector right here in Nottingham. Science and innovation have central roles to play in delivering the inclusive growth we want to see in the East Midlands. Turning brilliant ideas into real jobs and opportunities will mean that our region continues to lead the way in translating research into meaningful economic and social impact.
Story credits
Images courtesy of Business of Science Conference and Joe Gardner Photography
Notes to editors:
About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.