Congratulations to Prof James Durrant, CPE Director, on becoming an FRS.

James has been elected to join the ranks of the UK's most eminent scientists as part of the 2017 election of 50 new fellows. "Research is a team effort," James said,  "and I am very grateful to all the friends, family and colleagues who have made this possible, including in particular my past and present group members who have been such a pleasure to work with."

 Solar Energy Conversion

James's research addresses the photochemistry of new materials for solar energy conversion – targeting both solar cells (photovoltaics) and solar to fuel (i.e.: artificial photosynthesis). It is based around employing transient optical and optoelectronic techniques to address materials function, and thereby elucidate design principles which can help guide technological development. His research is currently addressing the development and functional characterisation of organic and perovskite solar cells, and photoelectrodes and photocatalysts for solar driven fuel synthesis.

The Royal Soc(k)

 During the celebrations at 170 Queen's Gate, Dr Piers Barnes and Prof Jenny Nelson, long-term collaborators with James, presented James with a "Royal Soc", carefully decorated with his initials followed by "FRS". He was also presented with a matching red "Fellow" cape and crown. James was heard to say that he would treasure these forever!