Professor Martyn Poliakoff was knighted in the Queen’s New Year Honours 2015.

Professor Poliakoff received the honour for services to chemical sciences in recognition of his contribution as a global leader in green and sustainable chemistry. The honour also reflects his work as an ambassador for UK Science as Vice-President and Foreign Secretary of the Royal Society, a role that illustrates the esteem in which he is held by his fellow academics.

Professor Poliakoff is a familiar face to millions – he is a star of the Periodic Table of Videos, a YouTube channel dedicated to every one of the 118 chemical elements which has been viewed more than
80 million times.

In 2011 the videos earned him the Royal Society of Chemistry’s prestigious Nyholm Prize for Education.

As well as inspiring would-be scientists and chemistry enthusiasts through a range of exciting experiments showing the properties of all the chemical elements, Professor Poliakoff has picked up his own band of faithful followers who has been charmed by his eccentric hairstyle and outlandish chemistry-themed ties.

Sir Martyn said: “I feel both honoured and somewhat overwhelmed.

“I see the award very much as recognition of all the work being done in green and sustainable chemistry in the School of Chemistry by my colleagues, by my research team and by our technical staff whose efforts underpin so much of our research.”

Professor Sir David Greenaway, Vice-Chancellor of The University of Nottingham, said: “What a richly deserved accolade. Sir Martyn contributes so much as a research leader, educator and communicator of science to the wider public.

“He will receive this honour with his customary modesty, but will be surprised at how widely applauded it is. We are very proud to have him as a colleague.”