Knighthood for YouTube's 'Mad Professor'

Professor Poliakoff received the honour for services to Chemical Sciences in recognition of his contribution as a global leader in green and sustainable chemistry. The honour is also in recognition for him acting as an ambassador for UK Science in his role as Vice-President and Foreign Secretary of the Royal Society, which is an illustration of the esteem in which he is held by his fellow academics. 

Professor Poliakoff is already a familiar face to millions of YouTube followers around the world, after he was featured in a series of videos dedicated to each and every one of the 118 chemical elements, which became an overnight sensation.

The Periodic Table of Videos
The Periodic Table of Videos, which have brought chemistry to a whole new audience, were launched in 2008 and have now been viewed by more than 80million people. In 2011 the videos earned him the Royal Society of Chemistry’s prestigious Nyholm Prize for Education. 

As well as inspiring would-be scientists and chemistry enthusiasts through a range of exciting experiments showing the properties of all the chemical elements, Professor Poliakoff has picked up his own band of faithful followers who has been charmed by his eccentric hairstyle and outlandish chemistry-themed ties.

Deserved recognition

Professor Poliakoff said “I feel both honoured and somewhat overwhelmed.

“I see the award very much as recognition of all the work being done in green and sustainable chemistry in the School of Chemistry by my colleagues, by my research team and by our technical staff whose efforts underpin so much of our research.”

Professor Sir David Greenaway, Vice-Chancellor of The University of Nottingham, said: “What a richly deserved accolade. Sir Martyn contributes so much as a research leader, educator and communicator of science to the wider public.

“He will receive this honour with his customary modesty, but will be surprised at how widely applauded it is. We are very proud to have him as a colleague.”