Two researchers received knighthood from the Queen of England, one for his contribution to the development of Viagra and the other for his efforts producing sustainable solvents, according to an article from The Scientist. Fraser Campbell was on the Pfizer team that helped launch the erectile dysfunction drug. He is also noted for reinvigorating chemistry education in the UK through his leadership role with the Royal Society of Chemistry “Campaign for Chemistry.”
Martyn Poliakoff, a professor at the University of Nottingham, was honored for his role in developing “greener” solvent systems to replace traditional organic solvents in industrial processing. Poliakoff has also become something of a YouTube sensation through his series, “Periodic Table of Videos.”
