University of Warwick’s Dr. Alex Baker Wins 2025 British Science Association Award for Excellence in Physical Sciences and Mathematics

University of Warwick’s Dr. Alex Baker Wins 2025 British Science Association Award for Excellence in Physical Sciences and Mathematics

(IN BRIEF) Dr. Alex Baker, Assistant Professor of Chemistry at The University of Warwick, has been named the winner of the 2025 British Science Association’s Physical Sciences and Mathematics Award Lecture. The award recognizes his exceptional research in Neglected Tropical Diseases, focusing on therapeutics and diagnostic solutions. Dr. Baker’s award lecture at the British Science Festival will explore the potential of snake venoms and synthetic antibodies for global health. He is also praised for his science communication efforts, which include popular talks on diverse topics. This recognition further solidifies Dr. Baker’s position as a rising star in both research and public engagement.

(PRESS RELEASE) COVENTRY, 30-Apr-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Dr. Alex Baker, Assistant Professor of Chemistry at The University of Warwick, has been honored with the prestigious 2025 British Science Association (BSA) Physical Sciences and Mathematics Award Lecture. This award, which recognizes emerging leaders in physical sciences, places Dr. Baker alongside previous renowned recipients such as Brian Cox, Richard Wiseman, and Maggie Aderin-Pocock.

Dr. Baker is being celebrated for his groundbreaking research in the area of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), with a focus on developing novel therapeutics and diagnostic tools. Leading the Baker Humanitarian Chemistry Group, his team is committed to finding chemical solutions to some of the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges, particularly those affecting marginalized communities.

As part of the award, Dr. Baker will present his research at the British Science Festival in September 2025, with a lecture titled “Beyond antibodies, from snakebites to Covid-19.” In his talk, he will explore the world of snake venoms and synthetic antibodies, showcasing their potential to revolutionize global health solutions.

“I am deeply honored to receive this award and the opportunity to present my work on everything from COVID-19 diagnostics to the therapeutic potential of snake venoms,” Dr. Baker remarked. “The British Science Association’s platform allows me to share how the Physical Sciences can be harnessed to fight Neglected Tropical Diseases and improve global health.”

In addition to his academic research, Dr. Baker has been recognized for his exceptional science communication skills. He has captivated audiences with engaging talks on a range of topics, including “How to Freeze a Human,” “Worth Dyeing For – The Colourful Creation of Organic Chemistry,” and “The Chemistry of Star Wars,” the latter of which will return to the Royal Institution on May 4th, 2025.

Professor Mike Ward, Vice-Provost and Chair of the Board of the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Medicine at The University of Warwick, expressed his excitement over the recognition: “It’s wonderful to see Alex’s remarkable communication and public engagement skills being acknowledged. His recent receipt of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Early Career Prize for Excellence in Higher Education speaks volumes about his impact as an educator and researcher. Alex is a true inspiration.”

Professor Patrick Unwin, Head of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Warwick, echoed these sentiments: “The BSA Award celebrates both exceptional research and a commitment to public engagement, and Alex embodies both. We are thrilled that his contributions as an outstanding public speaker have been recognized.”

Dr. Baker’s journey at The University of Warwick has spanned over a decade, beginning as an undergraduate before advancing to his current position as Assistant Professor. His achievements include winning the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Early Career Prize for Excellence in Higher Education and receiving a Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship. He is also instrumental in the development of Warwick’s STEM Connect Programme, which fosters collaboration and innovation to tackle global challenges.

Professor Mark Williams, Academic Director for the STEM Connect Programme, added, “Congratulations to Alex for this well-deserved honor. This recognition highlights The University of Warwick’s leadership in chemistry, and the STEM Connect Programme will continue to support and expand upon this legacy by accelerating research that improves lives worldwide.”

Dr. Baker is one of seven early-career researchers from across the UK who have been selected for the BSA’s Award Lectures. Their academic breakthroughs and passion for science communication will be showcased at the British Science Festival in September.

James Brown, the BSA’s Head of Festivals and Director of the British Science Festival, concluded, “The Award Lectures are always a highlight of the BSF programme, celebrating the best early-career researchers in the UK. Dr. Baker’s work is both innovative and impactful, and his ability to engage new audiences makes him a truly deserving winner.”

Notes to Editors 

About the British Science Association 

The British Science Association (BSA) believes that science should be part of – rather than set apart from – society and culture and is owned by the wider community. Our programmes encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to engage with science, become ambassadors for science, and ultimately to be empowered to challenge and influence British science – whether they work in science or not.

Established in 1831, the BSA is a registered charity that organises major initiatives across the UK, including British Science Week, the annual British Science Festival, regional and local events, the CREST Awards, and other programmes for young people in schools and colleges. The BSA also organises specific activities for professional science communicators, including a specialist conference and training.

About the Award Lectures 

The British Science Association (BSA) has been rewarding promising early career scientists for over 30 years, many of whom are now successful science communicators. The Award Lecturers are a cohort of top early career researchers, all based in the UK, who are recognised for their cutting-edge work and commitment to public engagement efforts.

About The University of Warwick

The University of Warwick is one of the UK’s leading universities, marking its 60th anniversary in 2025. With over twenty-eight thousand students from 147 countries, it is currently ranked 9th in the UK by The Guardian University Guide. It has an acknowledged reputation for excellence in research and teaching, for innovation, and for links with business and industry. The recent Research Excellence Framework classed 92% of its research as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’. The University of Warwick was awarded Midlands University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times.

About the STEM Connect Programme

The STEM Connect Programme forms part of The University of Warwick’s largest single investment in campus facilities in its 60-year history – known as the Connect Programme. This will deliver innovative spaces built for new state-of-the-art research and learning programmes to support purposeful collaboration that will address the local, national and global challenges of today and tomorrow.

From teaching rooms to laboratories, the facilities will enable the University to build on its innovation and research excellence and enhance its campus experience to create more learning opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students. The STEM Connect Programme will also attract and inspire the world’s brightest students and will reinforce the University’s internationally-recognised work in science – having led on a vast array of pioneering research, including innovations to save lives through the early detection of skin cancer and dementia.

Media Contacts:

Matt Higgs – Media & Communications Officer (Sciences)

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SOURCE: University of Warwick