Piers Sellers Prizes
In 2016, the Priestley International Centre for Climate established two annual prizes in the name of the renowned climate scientist, astronaut and Leeds alumnus, Piers Sellers, to recognise exceptional research that furthers our understanding of climate change and how to address it.
The 2020 Piers Sellers Prize for world leading contribution to solution-focused climate research was awarded to Dr Katharine Mach. The Piers Sellers Prize for exceptional PhD research was awarded to both Oliver Grasham and Harriet Thew. Read more about the winners in this article.
You can watch the recording of the virtual awards event below.
Rewarding contribution to climate solutions
The Piers Sellers prize for an up-and-coming researcher’s contribution to climate solutions is awarded to an up-and-coming researcher or research team (not limited to the University of Leeds) on the basis of their contribution to solution-focused climate research. A shortlist of nominees is drawn-up by the judging panel based on recent high impact journal publications, research outputs or impact.
Exceptional PhD research
This prize is designed to reward and encourage current PhD students from the University of Leeds for undertaking excellent research to better understand and/or address climate change.
Past winners
2019
World leading contribution: Professor Petra Tschakert
PhD prize: Tom Slater
Read more. Watch the awards and prizewinner presentations.
2018
World leading contribution: Professor Mark New – read more
PhD prize: Kate Palmer and Jesus Vergara Temprado – read more
2017
World leading contribution: Professor Felix Creutzig
PhD prize: Ross Gillard
2016
World leading contribution: Dr Joeri Rogelj
PhD prize: Kate Scott