An internationally-renowned British scientist, whose fundamental chemical research could help transform the range of electric vehicles and make renewable energy more viable, has been honored with the inaugural AkzoNobel UK Science Award.

Professor Peter Bruce, FRS, Wardlaw Professor of Chemistry at the University of St Andrews, will received the award and £50,000 at a ceremony held at the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) in London on February 7.

The award is sponsored by AkzoNobel, the world's largest paints and coatings company, a major producer of specialty chemicals, and owner of multiple brands including Dulux, Polycell and Cuprinol.

Professor Bruce was awarded the honor after an independent panel, convened by the RSC, cited his outstanding contributions in the fields of solid state chemistry and electrochemistry.

Among his achievements, Professor Bruce has conducted ground-breaking research into nanostructured intercalation electrodes and polymer electrolytes that underpin rechargeable lithium ion batteries. The RSC panel also noted his seminal ongoing fundamental studies of the lithium air-battery, a technology which could transform the next generation of electric and hybrid electric motor vehicles.