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.

The recipient(s) is be invited to the Priestley Centre annual event to provide a keynote speech and receive the award of £1000.

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. The award provides £1500 to attend an international conference of their choice.

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

Read more

2016

World leading contribution: Dr Joeri Rogelj

PhD prize: Kate Scott

Read more