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 on July 30, 1956) is a famous English chemist. He is a Chair Professor at Hong Kong Baptist University. He is also an Emeritus Professor at the Durham University in England.
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Early Life and School Days
David Parker was born in a place called Leadgate, in County Durham, England. He grew up in Durham, England. He went to Durham Johnston School and also spent a short time at King Edward VI High School, Stafford.
He earned a special scholarship to study Chemistry at the University of Oxford. He finished his first degree with top honors in 1978. In 1980, he earned his DPhil (which is like a PhD). His research was about how certain chemical reactions work, especially those that create molecules with a specific "handedness."
A Career in Chemistry Research
In 1980, David Parker received a special fellowship from NATO. This allowed him to work with Jean-Marie Lehn, a scientist who later won a Nobel Prize in 1987.
In January 1982, he became a Chemistry Lecturer at Durham University. He taught and did research there for many years. In September 2022, he became a Chair Professor of Chemistry at Hong Kong Baptist University.
Designing Special Molecules
Professor Parker's research focuses on creating special molecules. These molecules are "chiral," meaning they have a specific 3D shape, like your left and right hands. He designs and builds these molecules for different uses.
His work combines ideas from different areas of chemistry. These include physical chemistry (how matter behaves), organic chemistry (molecules with carbon), and inorganic chemistry (molecules without carbon).
Working with Industry
He often works with companies in Europe and the UK. Together, they develop new ways to use these special molecules. For example, his work has helped create new imaging tools and medicines. One important medicine developed with his help is called MyloTarg. This medicine is used to treat certain types of cancer.
Awards and Special Recognitions
David Parker has received many awards for his important work in chemistry. The Royal Society of Chemistry has given him several honors. These include the Corday-Morgan Medal in 1987 and the Ludwig Mond Medal in 2011. He also received the Hickinbottom Award in 1988 and an Interdisciplinary Award in 1996.
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.
