Sir John Meurig Thomas awarded Queen's Medal for his work
- Published
A distinguished chemistry scientist from Carmarthenshire has received a prestigious award for his work.
Sir John Meurig Thomas, from Llanelli, was awarded the Royal Medal 2016 for his work within catalytic chemistry.
Three Royal Medals, also known as the Queen's Medals, are given each year in recognition of important contributions to science.
He is the first Swansea University graduate to receive the award and was praised by the pro-vice chancellor.
Sir John's work involving catalysts - substances that speed up chemical reactions - have been used in clean technology and sustainability.
He has been head of the department of physical chemistry at Cambridge University, a professional fellow at King's College, Cambridge, and the deputy pro-chancellor of the Federal University of Wales.
In 1991, Sir John was knighted "for services to chemistry and the popularisation of science".
Swansea University pro-vice chancellor Prof Steve Wilks said: "Sir John Meurig Thomas is one of the university's most esteemed alumni.
"His research in the field of chemistry is on a par with those whose work has defined modern methodologies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, including Sir Michael Faraday."