International award for Durham University chemist
A chemist whose research is helping to harvest clean drinking water and has waterproofed millions of mobile phones has been awarded a major international honour. Professor Jas Pal Badyal, FRS , in Durham University's Department of Chemistry , is the first UK-born scientist to receive the Chemical Research Society of India's (CRSI) International Medal. The award recognises the pioneering work of Professor Badyal's research group at Durham in developing waterproof nanocoatings for technological and societal applications. Innovative waterproof nanocoatings Professor Badyal is particularly interested in the application of his research for both the commercial market and to help those living in poverty. His research has led to the development of innovative waterproof nanocoatings to protect a range of consumer goods and bioinspired technology to help collect fog for clean drinking water in developing countries. Professor Badyal's waterproof coatings technology was commercialised by British firm P2i Ltd and has gone on to protect over three million pairs of footwear, 100 million smartphones, and over 75 per cent of the world's hearing aids. Fog harvesting Speaking about being the recipient of the CRSI International Medal 2018, Professor Badyal said: "I am extremely proud to receive this award and honoured that the work of my research group has been recognised by the Chemical Research Society of India.
