Professor Sir Harry Kroto
The University of Sussex is hosting a special commemorative event on Tuesday 6 October to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Professor Sir Harry Kroto’s Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the discovery of Buckminsterfullerene (C₆₀).
Bringing together academics, researchers, former students and collaborators, the event will honour both the groundbreaking discovery of C₆₀ and Sir Harry Kroto’s lasting scientific legacy.
The discovery of C₆₀ (a new form of carbon) is widely regarded as a landmark event in twentieth-century chemistry. It opened up entirely new fields of research, with far-reaching impacts across nanotechnology, materials science, education and policy.
The event, held in the Attenborough Centre for Creative Arts, will open with refreshments from 9.30am, followed by a morning session focused on the history and impact of the discovery. After a lunchtime buffet, the afternoon programme will shift to current Sussex research and a forward-looking panel chaired by Professor Luc Moreau, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Medicine.
Speaking about the event, Professor Moreau said, “The discovery of C₆₀ remains one of the defining scientific achievements of its time. It is a pleasure to welcome speakers from around the world to Sussex to celebrate that legacy, highlight the excellence of current research here, and look ahead to the kind of fundamental discoveries that will define the future of science”.
The programme will feature reflections from those who worked closely with Sir Harry Kroto, alongside presentations from leading researchers examining the continued influence of his work—from science outreach and education to commercialisation and global research agendas.
A series of short, TEDx-style talks from current University of Sussex academics will showcasecutting-edge research inspired by the discovery, highlighting the University’s ongoing leadership in areas such as astrochemistry and nanomaterials. The day will conclude with a panel discussion from experts in research, education, industry and beyond.
Attendees will have the opportunity to connect informally over a drinks reception, with an optional guided tour of the University’s nanoscience laboratories and the Kroto Room providing further insight into Sussex’s world-leading facilities.
Professor Hazel Cox, lead organiser of the event, and former colleague of Sir Harry Kroto said: "It is wonderful to be able to celebrate and honour Harry's role in the discovery of C₆₀, and to recognise the inspiration his work continues to provide. I hope people will join us not only to reflect on an important moment in scientific history and the impact of that discovery, but also to consider its continuing influence today".
Running in parallel to the main event will be a schools and colleges programme, which will include a hands-on workshop for students with Dr Jonathan Hare, visiting fellow at the University of Sussex and a freelance scientist/science communicator, who completed his PhD with Sir Harry Kroto. Sixth form and college students will explore the science behind fullerenes and build their own molecular model. The students will also have the chance to explore campus, with the option to stay for the Sussex Science talks and panel discussion of the main event in the afternoon.
It is hoped theday will serve not only as a tribute to Sir Harry Kroto’s extraordinary scientific career, but also as an opportunity to inspire future innovation and collaboration.
All those with an interest in science, research and education are warmly invited to attend, however booking is essential.
The event is sponsored by the University of Sussex and Royal Society of Chemistry.