Chemists recognised in King’s birthday honours

The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) has paid tribute to chemists recognised in the King’s 2025 birthday honours for their contributions to both chemistry and inclusion and diversity.

Rachel O’Reilly, chair in chemistry within the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences at the University of Birmingham, was awarded a Member of the British Empire (MBE) for her services to chemistry. O’Reilly has published over 225 research papers, including reviews and book chapters, in the fields of polymer synthesis, self-assembly, catalysis and DNA nanotechnology. She was recognised as one of the RSC’s 175 faces of chemistry to mark its 175th anniversary, back in 2016.