Matthew Wallace recognised by University of Liverpool with Potts Medal highlighting innovation in molecular science and NMR techniques

Dr Matthew Wallace (pictured left), UKRI Future Leaders Research Fellow at the University of East Anglia, has been awarded the 2026 Potts Medal for Chemistry. Dr Wallace is pictured left with Professor Peter Myers, Department of Chemistry.

(IN BRIEF) University of Liverpool has awarded the 2026 Potts Medal for Chemistry to Dr Matthew Wallace, a UKRI Future Leaders Research Fellow at the University of East Anglia, recognising his contributions to advanced chemical research. A Liverpool graduate, Dr Wallace has built a strong research profile through his work on Nuclear Magnetic Resonance techniques and their applications in studying complex molecular systems across materials science, chemical biology, and drug discovery. His achievements have been supported by prestigious fellowships, including those from UKRI and the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851. The award was presented at a campus ceremony where he also delivered a lecture, continuing a tradition that honours distinguished alumni and their impact on the field.

(PRESS RELEASE) LIVERPOOL, 1-May-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — University of Liverpool has recognised Matthew Wallace, a UKRI Future Leaders Research Fellow at the University of East Anglia, as the recipient of the 2026 Potts Medal for Chemistry, highlighting his contributions to advancing modern chemical research.

The Potts Medal, established in honour of Harold Edwin Potts, is awarded annually by the University’s student-led Chemistry Society, ChemSoc. The accolade celebrates distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions to the discipline and reflects a legacy that dates back to 1933, with its reinstatement in 2014 supported by Waters Corporation.

Dr Wallace completed his MChem degree at the University of Liverpool in 2013 before continuing his academic journey at the institution, where he undertook doctoral research under the guidance of Dave Adams and Jon Iggo. His PhD focused on developing advanced Nuclear Magnetic Resonance techniques to investigate self-assembling peptide gel systems, earning him the 2017 Ronald Belcher Award from the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Dr Wallace with members of the Chemistry Society

Following his doctoral studies, he was awarded a Research Fellowship from the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851, enabling him to collaborate with Yaroslav Khimyak at the University of East Anglia’s School of Pharmacy. His work has since evolved into a multidisciplinary research portfolio spanning materials science, chemical biology, and drug discovery.

In 2020, Dr Wallace secured a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship to further develop CSI and gradient-based analytical tools, extending their application across a broad range of scientific fields. These efforts aim to deepen understanding of molecular systems and support innovation in both academic and applied research environments.

Reflecting on the honour, Dr Wallace highlighted the formative role played by the University of Liverpool’s Department of Chemistry, noting its collaborative environment and strong support for independent scientific development. Although now based in East Anglia, he continues to maintain active links with Liverpool, regularly returning to conduct NMR experiments and engage with colleagues.

The Potts Medal was presented during a formal ceremony on campus, where Dr Wallace also delivered a lecture to students, alumni, and staff. This lecture forms part of the longstanding tradition associated with the award, providing recipients with an opportunity to share their research insights and experiences.

Through this recognition, the University of Liverpool continues to celebrate the achievements of its alumni while reinforcing the importance of innovation and excellence in the field of chemistry.

Media contacts:

Joanne Carr
Deputy Director of Communications and Public Affairs
T: +44 (0)7825 434900
E: jocarr@liverpool.ac.uk

SOURCE: University of Liverpool