David Phillips received his PhD in 1964. After conducting research abroad, he lectured at the University of Southampton then moved to the Royal Institution, later becoming its Deputy Director. David joined Imperial College in 1989 as Professor of Physical Chemistry, serving as Head of the Department of Chemistry and Dean of the Faculties of Life Sciences and Physical Sciences before retiring in 2006.
His research interests include the fundamentals and applications of photochemistry and photophysics, fluorescence-lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) and photodynamic therapy. He has been awarded the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) Nyholm Prize for Education, and the Royal Society Michael Faraday Award for his contributions to the public understanding of science.
David has received an OBE for services to science education, and a CBE for services to chemistry. He is former President of the RSC (2010–2012) and has chaired the UK Chemicals Stakeholder Forum since 2013. He is an Honorary Fellow of the City and Guilds Institute, the Royal Institution and the British Science Society, and holds honorary degrees from several universities.
Professional position
- Member, Government Affairs Committee, Royal Society of Chemistry
- Member, Pan-African Chemistry Network, Royal Society of Chemistry
- Member, Scientific Advisory Board, The National Gallery
- Trustee, National Gas Museum Trust
- Member, Nominations Committee, Royal Institution Of Great Britain
- Chairman, UK Chemicals Stakeholder Forum, Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), DEFRA
- Emeritus Professor , Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London
- Former President, Royal Society of Chemistry
Subject groups
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Chemistry
Chemistry, physical, Chemistry, biological
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Other
History of science, Public engagement
Awards
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Michael Faraday Prize and Lecture
For his outstanding talents in the communication of scientific principles, methods and applications to young audiences through his many demonstration lectures with wit, clarity and enthusiasm on a wide variety of topics from basic science to modern laser research and for his major role in various collaborative ventures for young people with the Royal Institution, the British Association and CREST, and for his popular science articles and contributions to a variety of radio and television broadcasts, combined with his full professional workload as Head of Chemistry at Imperial College and overseeing a research group.
