Professor James Norris to Receive Inaugural "Spin Chemistry Lifetime Achievement Award" at the RSC ESR Conference 2025
In April, James Norris, Robert A. Millikan Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus, received the inaugural "Spin Chemistry Lifetime Achievement Award" from the ESR Spectroscopy group of the Royal Society of Chemistry. This esteemed award is designed to honor individuals whose groundbreaking work has profoundly influenced the field of spectroscopy and recognizes the vital contributions of researchers whose insights and innovations have laid the foundation for both current and future advancements in the discipline.
Professor Emeritus Norris is celebrated for his landmark achievements in time-resolved Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR), optical spectroscopy, and the study of magnetic field effects on molecular structures and dynamics of paramagnetic species. His landmark contributions have deepened understanding of such complex phenomena and has served as an inspiration to countless emerging researchers in the field.
Founded in 1968, the ESR Group serves as a special interest group of the Royal Society of Chemistry, promoting knowledge and innovation in electron spin resonance across chemistry, physical sciences, and biology. The group hosts an annual international meeting to advance research, awards industry-sponsored prizes to recognize excellence, and supports emerging scientists through initiatives like the Bruker Prize and JEOL Prize.
Professor Norris's research has been pivotal in unraveling the complexities of paramagnetic species, offering essential insights into molecular behavior with significant implications across various scientific disciplines. His innovative techniques in time-resolved EPR have paved the way for new explorations of molecular dynamics, enabling scientists to observe and analyze transient states that were once challenging to investigate. Additionally, This award not only honors his past contributions but also emphasizes the importance of mentorship and the influence of seasoned experts on the next generation of scientists.
The Spin Chemistry Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Professor Norris at the upcoming RSC ESR Conference that will take place in London, 6-10th April 2025, where a special session will be dedicated to celebrating Professor Norris’s achievements.
This session will feature a laudatio honoring his work, followed by presentations from junior researchers who will showcase how his innovations continue to impact their research today. The conference will also include talks from distinguished speakers, including Drs. Sabine Richert and Jeannine Grüne, alongside plenary speaker Professor Yosuhiro Kobori, promising an engaging exploration of the latest advancements in transient EPR and spin effects.
We offer our sincere congratulations to Professor Norris and hope you can join us in London in April.