Biography
As of 2025, I am a member of the Acceleration Consortium. This aims of this consortium are accelerating the discovery of materials and molecules needed for a sustainable future by building self-driving labs (SDLs) that use AI and automation to create materials and molecules for a fraction of the usual time and cost, while remaining committed to ethical design principles.
If you are interested in reading my publications then please follows the links in the menu bar. Alternatively, you can find them all by looking at my University of York Pure profile.
Awards
2021 Royal Society of Chemistry Organic Division Horizon Prize: Perkin Prize in Physical Organic Chemistry (awarded 2021) – titled “Uncovering the hidden paths in C–H activation catalysis” A cross-disciplinary collaboration between the University of York, the Central Laser Facility and Syngenta Crop Protection has won the Organic Division Horizon Prize: Perkin Prize in Physical Organic Chemistry after creating a process that could make thousands of products more sustainable.
2019 SCI AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer and Syngenta Prize for Process Chemistry Research (Awarded 2019)
2016 RSC Corday-Morgan Prize and Medal
2015 Research Supervisor of the Year Award at the University of York (YUSU)
2012 Vice Chancellor’s Gold Award for Leading Research Support at the University of York
2007 AstraZeneca Younger Researcher Award
2005 Set-for-Britain Prize
2004-2012 Royal Society University Research Fellowship
2003 RSC Mendola Medal for Organic Chemistry
Background and Interests
I was born in 1975 in Crewe (South Cheshire), England. I grew-up initially in Rode Heath (South Cheshire), moving to Scholar Green (3 miles down the road) when 9 years old, attending Scholar Green Primary School. As a young child I was allowed to roam-free, playing in ponds (mainly with rare newts and frogs), woods and fields for most of the time. I ran, played football, and ran some more. I moved to Heathfield High School in 1986 (now Congleton High School). During year 7, I played the role of Hrothgar in Beowulf, a one and only cameo as an actor. Later on as a teenager I was a reasonable middle distance runner for the City of Stoke Athletics Club (at Northwood Athletics Stadium) between 1987 and 1992. At high school I was awarded the 1991 Harold Burns Trophy for Motor Vehicle Studies. While being close to taking-up an apprenticeship working within the motor industry (aged 16 years old), I decided to follow interests in Chemistry, inspired by my then teacher, ‘Doc’ Michael Griffiths, which was a pivotal moment in my life – things might have been so different. The road to academia has been both bumpy and exciting. Over the years I have been inspired by many great people, especially in York, who have acted as mentors and role models. I enjoy seeing my students, post-docs and technicians flourish and them going on to greater things.
In my spare time, I enjoy running (I am a member of City of York Athletics Club) and parkrun (I am event director at York parkrun). My favourite sports people of all time are Steve Cram and Steve OVETT, closely followed by Bryan Robson (Manchester United).
Being close to the Potteries (Stoke-on-Trent) for most of my youth, I worked for a famous pottery company during vacation breaks while studying at University. During this time, I met some truly wonderful and inspiring people working on a factory floor. It was an informative time in my life and an experience that is deeply cherished.
As time passes by I have developing interests in gardening and cooking. Holding on to my youth, I play the guitar and make useful things with Lego.
Career and Education
At the University of York
- January 2010 – Present: Professorship. Based in both inorganic and organic chemistry sections at the University of York, formally-assigned to the latter section.
- October 2007 – December 2009: Senior Researcher (equivalent to Associate Professor).
- October 2004 – September 2007: Lecturer B in organic chemistry (Assistant Professor).
- November 2001 – September 2004: Lecturer A in organic chemistry (equivalent to Assistant Professor).
At the University of Bristol
- March 2000 – October 2001: Post-Doctoral Researcher with Professor Guy C. Lloyd-Jones – Project Title: Mechanisms in Palladium Catalysis
BSc and PhD
- October 1996 – 2000 (Formally Graduating in 2001): PhD in organic chemistry with Dr Julia M. Dickinson
- October 1993 – 1996: BSc in chemistry, MMU, Manchester (UK)
Contact information
Prof. Ian J. S. Fairlamb,
Department of Chemistry, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK
