UCL researchers honoured by the Royal Society of Chemistry

Dr He was awarded the Harrison‑Meldola Memorial Prize while Professor Waller received the Jeremy Knowles Award.

Dr He’s research focuses on developing safer and more cost-effective electrochemical energy storage systems to address the growing global demand for energy and the challenges of sustainable development. Conventional lithium-ion batteries are efficient but pose safety risks due to flammable components and depend on expensive, geographically concentrated resources.

To overcome these limitations, Dr He focuses on the development of aqueous Zn batteries – systems that use water-based electrolytes and zinc, an abundant metal, effectively eliminating fire hazards. This research represents not only a technical breakthrough but also a commitment to a safer, greener and more affordable energy future.

Dr He adopts a multidisciplinary approach, integrating fundamental studies on ion transport and interfacial reactions with advanced materials design to ensure battery stability under demanding conditions.

Dr He said: “It is both an immense privilege and profound joy to accept the 2025 Harrison-Meldola Early Career Prize for Chemistry. This recognition strengthens our commitment to reimagining electrochemical energy storage and conversion technologies – a journey made possible by the extraordinary dedication and creativity of my research team.

“Together, we see Zn-based materials not merely as batteries, but as catalysts for equitable progress: safer, sustainable technologies that bridge scientific discovery and societal need.

“With renewed conviction, I will continue advancing chemistry’s potential to address global energy challenges, ensuring that our work remains rooted in both rigour and purpose.”

Professor Waller’s work has improved understanding of i-motif DNA structures – where the DNA is not in a double helix, the famous twisted ladder structure, but a tightly packed "knot" of four strands of DNA. These structures have been used as pH-dependent switches in nanotechnology but are also widespread throughout the human genome, exist in cells and have been shown to play a role in gene expression.

Professor Waller’s team has revealed how these structures can be affected and targeted by molecules called ligands that bind to specific DNA structures. This work has enabled the creation of new nanodevices, the study of the effects of i-motifs in biology, and the understanding of how these DNA structures can affect disease.

Professor Waller said: “I'm absolutely delighted to have the team's work recognised in this way. Science is a collaborative endeavour, and this prize reflects both the work of the group and also the support of colleagues, collaborators, mentors and funders along the way.”

Professor Waller and De He are among more than 40 individuals celebrated this year for making outstanding contributions to the advancement of chemical science. To mark their achievements, they will receive £3,000 and £5,000 respectively and a medal.

Dr Helen Pain, Chief Executive of the Royal Society of Chemistry, said: “The chemical sciences cover a rich and diverse collection of disciplines, from fundamental understanding of materials and the living world, to applications in medicine, sustainability, technology and more. By working together across borders and disciplines, chemists are finding solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

“Our prize winners come from a vast array of backgrounds, all contributing in different ways to our knowledge base, and bringing fresh ideas and innovations. We recognise chemical scientists from every career stage and every role type, including those who contribute to the RSC’s work as volunteers. We celebrate winners from both industry and academia, as well as individuals, teams, and the science itself.

“Their passion, dedication and brilliance are an inspiration. I extend my warmest congratulations to them all.”

The Royal Society of Chemistry’s prizes have recognised excellence in the chemical sciences for more than 150 years. This year’s winners join a prestigious list of past recipients in the RSC’s prize portfolio, 60 of whom have gone on to win Nobel Prizes for their work, including 2022 Nobel laureate Carolyn Bertozzi and 2019 Nobel laureate John B Goodenough.

Links

• Dr Guanjie He’s academic profile
• Professor Zoë Waller’s academic profile
• UCL Chemistry
• UCL Mathematical & Physical Sciences
• UCL School of Pharmacy
• UCL Life Sciences

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• Professor Waller and Dr He 

Media contact

Mark Greaves

m.greaves [at] ucl.ac.uk

+44 (0)20 3108 9485