A Laureate for a Greener Future: Sustainable Chemist Honoured with IETI Award

Prof. Tom Welton is recognised for his revolutionary work in sustainable chemistry and ionic liquid innovation in this international award.

Emeritus Professor Tom Welton OBE, a renowned professor in sustainable chemistry and a long-standing researcher of ionic liquids, has been named one of the inaugural Laureates of the Krzysztof Matyjaszewski Award for Chemical Science & Materials Engineering by the International Engineering and Technology Institute (IETI). This honour places him among the world’s most influential scientists driving innovation in green chemistry and sustainable materials.

The award, named after polymer scientist Krzysztof Matyjaszewski, recognises researchers whose work not only advances scientific understanding but also addresses global challenges such as sustainability, energy and environmental impact. As the world’s first Professor of Sustainable Chemistry, Prof. Welton was selected for his pioneering contributions to green chemistry and his sustained advancement of ionic liquid research—versatile solvents that offer cleaner and more efficient alternatives to traditional methods.

From clean synthesis to the transformation of biomass-derived polymers into sustainable materials, Prof. Welton has laid the foundation for replacing petrochemical-based plastics with greener alternatives. His approach to reaction-solvent matching, which optimises chemical environments to enhance outcomes, is now a cornerstone of modern green chemistry and has redefined how chemical science can serve society.

Professor Welton commented: “It is a great honour to be recognised by the inaugural IETI Krzysztof Matyjaszewski Award. Recognition like this keeps the focus on the need to find sustainable solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. I hope that it encourages others in the international chemical sciences community to join in this effort.”

Prof. Welton’s impact reaches far beyond the laboratory. As a former President of the Royal Society of Chemistry and current Ambassador for Sustainable Chemicals Policy, he has helped shape the global conversation around sustainability, inclusion and scientific responsibility. His commitment to mentoring, advocacy for diversity and ability to inspire collaboration make this recognition not just a personal triumph, but a celebration of leadership in its fullest sense.

Although officially retired, Prof. Welton remains actively engaged in research at Imperial. His current collaborations span several cutting-edge initiatives: with Dr Agi Brandt-Talbot, he is exploring biopolymers as a way to replace plastics in packaging; with Dr Silvia Diez-Gonzalez, he is investigating the use of CO₂ in synthesis; and with Professor Kim Jelfs, he is applying AI-driven approaches to designing new ionic liquids. Prof. Welton is also working to support the implementation of the United Nations Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution.