Tom Welton

Tom Welton serves as Professor of Sustainable Chemistry at Imperial College London, where he leads research at the forefront of environmentally conscious chemical innovation. Previously president of the Royal Society of Chemistry (2020-2022), he remains a prominent advocate for inclusion and diversity across the global chemical sciences community.

His research program fundamentally transforms industrial chemical processes through sustainable methodologies, with particular expertise in ionic liquids as alternative solvents and electrolytes. He pioneers clean synthesis techniques for biomass-derived polymers to displace petroleum-based plastics, targeting both environmental and economic sustainability across organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry domains. This work directly addresses critical planetary challenges through molecular-level innovation.

Professor Welton's exceptional contributions have been recognized through:

• Fellowship of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC, 2007)
• Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE, 2017)
• Multiple distinguished international lectureships