Congratulations to Claudia Bonfio, who has been named winner of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Harrison-Meldola Early Career Prize for Chemistry, for developing biophysical and supramolecular approaches to understand the origins and evolution of primitive cells. She receives £5000, a medal and a certificate.
Dr Bonfio's research asks a simple but fundamental question: how did the first cells form on early Earth? All living organisms are made of cells, and each cell is surrounded by a membrane that controls what goes in and out and helps organise the chemistry of life. However, we still do not understand how such cell membranes first emerged and became functional before biology as we know it existed.
She explains: “In my laboratory I recreate simple, early versions of these membranes using small molecules that could have been present on the early Earth. I study how these primitive membranes can grow, change, and interact with other molecules such as RNA and peptides, which are the building blocks of life. My research shows that membranes are not just passive containers, but can actively influence chemical reactions and help organise molecules in ways that resemble the earliest steps towards living systems.”
On receiving the prize, Claudia said, "I was honestly quite taken aback to receive this prize. Given the breadth of the award and the number of outstanding early career chemists working across such diverse areas, I did not expect it at all, which makes it feel particularly meaningful.
What makes this award especially important to me is that it reflects not only my own work but the collective effort of my research group over the past few years. The creativity, dedication, and enthusiasm of the students and researchers in my team have been central to everything we have achieved. I see this prize very much as a recognition of their contributions as well.”.
The Harrison-Meldola Early Career Prize for Chemistry is one of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Research & Innovation Prizes, given in celebration of exceptional people advancing the chemical sciences across industry and academia.
Dr Helen Pain, CEO of the Royal Society of Chemistry, said, “Chemistry and chemists are everywhere in daily life and in our society, and our prizes reflect that depth and diversity. Our Research & Innovation prize winners include teams and individuals, professors and apprentices, as well as people from all around the world and in a wide range of roles and sectors. Each person’s contribution plays a vital role in advancing human knowledge and bettering the world that we all live in.
“I extend my warmest congratulations to Dr Claudia Bonfio. Winning an RSCPrize is a remarkable achievement. You join the ranks of a star-studded roster stretching back over 150 years, including several dozen who went on to win Nobel Prizes. Our winners are exceptional role models for our communities, and we’re so pleased to be celebrating such an extraordinary cohort this year.”
The full suite of RSC Prizes comprises Volunteer Recognition Prizes, Research & Innovation Prizes, Education Prizes (announced in November), the Inclusion & Diversity Prize, and the Horizon Prizes – team prizes given to scientific collaborations innovating and conducting cutting edge research at the frontiers of chemistry. Further details of the prizes and winners are on the RSC website.