Liam Ball

Recognized for: Developing efficient methods for the safe and sustainable synthesis of molecules vital to healthcare and agriculture.

Areas of Research Interest and Expertise: 
Organic synthesis, organometallic synthesis, transition metal catalysis, physical organic chemistry

Previous Positions:

• MSc, University of Bristol
• PhD, University of Bristol (Advisor: Chris Russell and Guy Lloyde-Jones) 
• Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Edinburgh (Advisor: Guy Lloyde-Jones) 
• Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, University of Nottingham

Research Summary:

Organic chemist Liam Ball, PhD, is transforming chemical synthesis by developing innovative tools for making pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals with reduced environmental impact. Ball’s pioneering work with bismuth, a non-toxic element, has enabled safer and more efficient herbicide development and drug production, including a streamlined process for the anticancer drug golvatinib. Ball has also made advancements in the synthesis of phosphine ligands, a critical tool for speeding up reactions through catalysis, making the process safer and more sustainable. By focusing on understanding reaction mechanisms, Ball’s work drives greener chemical processes, advancing medicine, agriculture, and sustainable manufacturing on an industrial scale.

“We aim to discover, understand, and harness new chemical reactivity. I am hugely grateful to the incredible researchers, technicians, and collaborators who have made this vision a reality, and whose efforts are recognised with this prestigious award.”

Key Publications:

1. K. Ruffell, S. P. Argent, K. B. Ling, L. T. Ball. Bismuth-mediated α-arylation of acidic diketones with ortho-substituted boronic acids. Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 2022.
2. K. Ruffell, L. C. Gallegos, K. B. Ling, R. S. Paton, L. T. Ball. Umpolung synthesis of pyridyl ethers by Bi(V)-mediated Oarylation of pyridones. Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 2022.
3. M. Jurrat, L. Maggi, W. Lewis, L. T. Ball. Modular bismacycles for the selective C-H arylation of phenols and naphthols. Nature Chemistry, 2020.
4. A. Senior, K. Ruffell, L. T. Ball. meta-Selective C-H arylation of phenols via regiodiversion of electrophilic aromatic substitution. Nature Chemistry, 2023.

Other Honors:

2024 RSC Hickinbottom Prize, Royal Society of Chemistry
2024 RSC/BMOS Early Career Investigator Award, Royal Society of Chemistry
2024 RSC Inorganic Reactions and Mechanisms Early Career Award
2022 UKRI Future Leaders Fellow, United Kingdom Research and Innovation
2021 Thieme Chemistry Journals Awardee
2021 Visiting Professorship, University of Toronto
2020 Junior Scientists Bürgenstock Participation Fellowship, Swiss Chemical Society
2018 RSC-BMCS Mobility Fellowship, Royal Society of Chemistry

In the Media: 

Mirage News – Nottingham Scientist Bags Royal Society Chemistry Prize