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Sir Harry Kroto

Dr Graham Davis (on screen) with Lady Margaret Kroto and four Kroto JRA students

Sussex alumnus Dr Graham Davis was a Chemistry-by-Thesis undergraduate student of renowned British chemist, Professor Sir Harry Kroto from 1976 to 1979.

Kroto is perhaps best known for winning the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1996, recognising his discovery of a new form of carbon; Buckminsterfullerene (also known as C60 or Buckyball) and other fullerenes. 

Kroto was also renowned for inspiring the next generation of chemists through his outreach activities, which included holding lectures and running workshops for students.

Echoing Sir Harry’s passion for promoting science engagement, as well as fulfilling his own wish to give undergraduate students ‘a taste of research’, Dr Davis was inspired to establish the Kroto Junior Research Associate (JRA) Scheme at Sussex.

The programme offers a unique opportunity for four chemistry students to refine their research skills whilst working on a research project of their choice during the summer, generously meeting the cost of their expenses whilst doing so.

Wendy Brown, Professor of Physical Chemistry and Head of Department of Chemistry, says:

“Chemistry is hugely grateful to Dr Graham Davis for his generous support of four Kroto JRAs this summer. We are delighted that the programme will enable our students to get first-hand experience of working in a research laboratory – something that will provide them with invaluable skills for their future careers.”

Now living in Princeton, New Jersey, Dr Davies was recently given the opportunity to meet his Kroto JRAs as well as Lady Margaret Kroto, albeit remotely via video link. Marking a wonderful opportunity for a donor from the United States to connect with the students that he is supporting, Dr Davis shared stories about his time at Sussex studying under Sir Harry, and the students explained the focus of their research projects.

Every Sussex JRA is asked to design an academic poster to illustrate what they have been researching, and this year the Kroto JRA posters will be exhibited alongside almost 100 others that have been created by participants in the University’s wider JRA programme. The posters will be on show at the Student Centre on campus from noon on Wednesday 18 October, with the two top entries being announced at an official awards ceremony at 3pm on the day of the exhibition. The winner and runner-up will go on to represent Sussex at the national Posters in Parliament competition in spring 2024.

If you are considering making a gift to support the next generation of Sussex students in a subject that is close to your heart, please contact Barbara Macpherson, Development Manager for an informal chat about where your donation would make the greatest impact.