David Parker (chemist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David Parker
FRS FRSC
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| Born | 30 July 1956 |
| Education | Durham Johnston School King Edward VI High School, Stafford |
| Alma mater | University of Oxford (MA, DPhil) |
| Awards | Corday-Morgan Prize (1987) |
| Scientific career | |
| Institutions | Durham University Hong Kong Baptist University |
| Thesis | Studies in asymmetric catalysis (1980) |
| Academic advisors | Jean-Marie Lehn, John M Brown |
| Doctoral students | Elizabeth New |
David Parker (born 30 July 1956) is an English chemist. He is a Chair Professor at Hong Kong Baptist University. He is also an Emeritus Professor at the Durham University in England.
Contents
Early Life and Schooling
David Parker was born in Leadgate, which is in County Durham, England. He grew up in Durham, England. For his early education, he went to Durham Johnston School. He also briefly attended King Edward VI High School, Stafford.
University Studies
David Parker studied Chemistry at the University of Oxford. He earned a special scholarship to attend Christ Church, Oxford. In 1978, he finished his first degree with top honors. He then continued his studies and received his DPhil (a type of doctorate) in 1980. His research focused on how chemical reactions work, especially in a field called asymmetric catalysis.
Career and Chemistry Research
In 1980, David Parker received a special fellowship from NATO. This allowed him to work with Jean-Marie Lehn, a famous scientist who later won a Nobel Prize in 1987. In 1982, he started working as a Chemistry Lecturer at Durham University. Later, in September 2022, he became a Chair Professor of Chemistry at Hong Kong Baptist University.
Designing Molecules
Professor Parker's research looks at how to design and create special molecules. These molecules are called chiral functional molecules. They are used in different areas, like creating new materials. His work combines ideas from different types of chemistry: physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry.
Working with Industry
He often works with companies in Europe and the UK. These partnerships help turn his research into real-world products. For example, his work has helped develop special agents used in medical imaging. It has also helped create new treatments, like the medicine called MyloTarg.
Awards and Special Recognition
David Parker has received many awards for his work in chemistry. The Royal Society of Chemistry has given him several important prizes.
Key Awards
- The Corday-Morgan Medal in 1987.
- The Hickinbottom Award in 1988.
- An Interdisciplinary Award from the Royal Society of Chemistry in 1996.
- A Tilden Lectureship in 2003.
- The Ludwig Mond Prize and Medal in 2011.
In 2002, he was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS). This is a very high honor for scientists in the UK. He also won the ICI Prize in Organic Chemistry in 1991. In 2012, he received the Lecoq de Boisbaudran prize for his work with rare earth elements. In 2014, he was named an EPSRC RISE Fellow. This award recognizes scientists who inspire others in science and engineering.
