Jamie Durrani
Senior science correspondent, Chemistry World
I’ve worked for Chemistry World since 2016, and in my current role as a science correspondent since 2019. I report on the latest chemistry breakthroughs as well as areas like science policy that are of direct relevance to the research community.
I especially enjoy covering research that brings together multiple scientific disciplines, or that improves our understanding of the world that we live in. Before moving into science journalism, I carried out a PhD in asymmetric catalysis – so I also love writing about all things catalytic!
NewsProtein design and structure prediction wins chemistry Nobel prize
David Baker, Demis Hassabis and John Jumper were rewarded for creating computational tools to design proteins and predict their structures that have ‘revolutionised biological chemistry’
ResearchAlloys made direct from metal oxides offer more sustainable route to advanced materials
New approach to metallurgy is less energy intensive with a smaller carbon footprint
NewsExplainer: what is ricin?
A doctor in the UK is on trial for attempted murder with this extremely deadly poison
NewsRoyal Society releases hundreds of historic peer-review reports to the public
Archive includes Dorothy Hodgkin’s review of an early Crick and Watson paper on the structure of DNA
ResearchSupramolecular crystals show promise for hydrogen storage
Porous catenated network is light weight and stores high volumes of hydrogen
OpinionScience can make doping tests more trustworthy
Contamination cases at the Olympics and beyond highlight the need for minimum reporting thresholds for drug testing in sport
BusinessElectrification of process heat stands to slash industry’s emissions
Technologies available now can decarbonise most heat demand, but cost and infrastructure barriers still exist
NewsWorld’s largest sodium–ion battery goes live
Energy storage project in China’s Hubei province can meet daily electricity needs of 12,000 households
NewsPatrick Vallance joins UK science department as Keir Starmer appoints first cabinet
Former chief scientific adviser a surprise appointment following Labour’s general election win
ResearchAll-metal aromatic ring isolated for the first time
Bismuth species raises questions about the nature of aromaticity in molecules composed of heavier elements
FeatureThe proteins that drive drug addiction
Jamie Durrani speaks to researchers exploring how epigenetic changes in the brain affect drug-seeking behaviours
NewsSpringer Nature staff squeezed by cost of living crisis go on strike over pay
Over 200 editors, journalists and production staff are taking industrial action over the next six weeks
ResearchOxygen-free conditions are key to high-quality graphene
Chemical vapour deposition in an oxygen-free environment allows fast, reproducible graphene production and minimises defects
NewsGraduate visa route stays, as UK government proposes ‘crackdown’ on abuses and migration
Academics call for stability and highlight benefits of recruiting top international talent
NewsDavy notebook project paints complicated picture of influential chemist
Humphry Davy was a prolific scientist, but could also be petty, selfish and prejudiced
NewsBiomass, plastic waste and carbon dioxide feedstocks key to cutting chemical industry’s emissions
Royal Society report warns that without intervention defossilisation of the chemicals sector will take many decades
OpinionCatherine Ngila: ‘I am very passionate about empowering my students’
The environmental chemist on adapting to different cultures and empowering others
ResearchMonitoring PFAS pollutants in king penguins
New insight into how organohalogen pollutants affect seabirds
NewsERC grants reopen to Swiss applicants, as talks begin on associating to Horizon Europe once more
Negotiations to strengthen ties between the EU and Switzerland offer hope for Swiss researchers
NewsChemistry organisations call for clarity over government’s long-delayed chemicals strategy
Royal Society of Chemistry among bodies asking after government policy promised six years ago