Two scientists have been handed a share of an international award for their work with rhodium catalysts.

The honour was handed out by ligand and catalyst firm Solvias, which received entries from researchers all over the world.

Professor Ken Tanaka shared the award with US researcher Professor Michael Krische. It takes into account novelty, scientific rigour, originality, as well as the practical use to which the research can be put.

Mr Tanaka is a professor at the Department of Applied Chemistry of the Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology. His main scientific interest is focused on enantioselective catalysis and its application to organic synthesis.

Professor Krische took the prize for his work on rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation. He is a professor at the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry of the University of Texas, Austin.

His research focuses on catalytic reaction development with applications in natural product synthesis.

Solvias is a privately held company that supports the research and development of new drug substances and the optimisation of manufacturing processes for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies worldwide.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd