Alex Baker wins 2025 BSA Physical Sciences and Mathematics Award Lecture

Dr. Alex Baker, Assistant Professor of Chemistry at The University of Warwick has been named as the winner of the 2025 British Science Association’s (BSA) Physical Sciences and Mathematics Award Lecture.

Joining a roster of previous winners including Brian Cox, Richard Wiseman and Maggie Aderin-Pocock, Alex is being recognised for his promising early career research looking to provide therapeutics and diagnosis for Neglected Tropical Diseases. His group, the Baker Humanitarian Chemistry Group, is passionately working on creating and developing chemical solutions to humanitarian challenges impacting marginalised groups.

As part of the award, Alex will give a lecture based on his research at the British Science Festival 2025 in September titled - “Beyond antibodies, from snakebites to Covid-19" - Delving into the world of snake venoms and synthetic antibodies to discover their significance for global health.

Speaking about the award, Alex said:

“I am delighted to receive this Award and the opportunity to showcase my research from COVID-19 diagnostics to snake venoms. I am so thankful to the British Science Association for providing a platform to demonstrate how the Physical Sciences can fight Neglected Tropical Diseases.”

Just like previous winners, Alex is also being recognised for his excellent science communication efforts. This includes presenting on topics such as “How to Freeze a Human”, “Worth Dyeing For – The Colourful Creation of Organic Chemistry” and “The Chemistry of Star Wars,” which is returning 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 said:

“I’m delighted to see that Alex’s outstanding communication and public engagement skills are being recognised in this way. He is a real star in this area: only a few months ago he won the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Early Career Prize for Excellence in Higher Education in recognition of his brilliance in chemistry education.

“His combined passion for doing chemistry research to make the world a better place – and to use that as a vehicle for educating and enthusing the next generation of researchers – is inspiring, and Alex is definitely one to watch!"

Professor Patrick Unwin, Head of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Warwick added:

“The BSA award recognises excellent research coupled with a commitment to public engagement, and this very much reflects Alex’s passion and achievements in science. We are delighted that Alex’s efforts as an outstanding public speaker and communicator have been recognised by the BSA.”

Alex joined the Chemistry Department at The University of Warwick over a decade ago, a journey that has seen him go from undergraduate to assistant professor. This is not his first early-career honour either, having won the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Early Career Prize for Excellence in Higher Education and a Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship. Alex is also a key figure for the new STEM Connect Programme at Warwick.

Professor Mark Williams, Academic Director for the STEM Connect Programme, said:

“Congratulations to Alex on this well-deserved recognition. Alex winning this award is a shining example of The University of Warwick’s position as a global powerhouse for chemistry, something the STEM Connect Programme will solidify and expand upon.”

Alex is one of seven early-career researchers from across the UK who are nominated as Award Lecturers and whose academic breakthroughs and science communication abilities are celebrated at the yearly festival in September.

James Brown, the BSA’s Head of Festivals and Director of the British Science Festival says:

“The Award Lectures are always a highlight of the BSF programme, shining a spotlight on the very best early-career researchers working in the UK. Our winning speakers have been chosen for their innovative and impactful interdisciplinary research as well as for their passion for communicating their work and engaging new audiences. I can’t wait to attend their events in September.”