Sir Harold Kroto FRS, 1996 Nobel Prize winner for chemistry and currently a research professor at the University of Sussex, has won the Royal Society's prestigious Michael Faraday Award for 2001.

The award - widely acknowledged as one of the most prominent in UK science - is given annually to a scientist who, in the opinion of the Royal Society, has done most to further public communication of science, engineering or technology in the UK.

Sir Harold will be presented with the award in January of next year, when he will also give the Society's annual Michael Faraday Lecture. His lecture will be entitled Science, a Round Peg in a Square World.

Sir Harold has received the award in recognition of the time and energy he has given to promoting the public understanding of science. He carries out a formidable schedule of lectures, workshops, media programmes and interviews and is also chairman of the Vega Science Trust, which produces science programmes for network television. For more details of the Trust see www.vega.org.uk

Commenting on receiving his award, Sir Harold said, "It is very satisfying to feel that the efforts by my colleagues in the Vega Science Trust and I have made are recognised by such a prestigious award. It is particularly pleasing as an understanding of how everyday life is critically balanced with science, engineering and technology by everyone - in particular those in positions of responsibility such as politicians, teachers and the media - will ensure our future survival. Previous Faraday Award winners have included Professor Lewis Wolpert, Lord Winston and Professor Richard Dawkins.

Nominations for the 2002 Michael Faraday Award are now invited. The Award, which consists of a silver gilt medal and a prize of £2,500, is presented by the President of the Royal Society on the occasion of the annual Michael Faraday Award Lecture. The closing date for nominees is Thursday 31 January 2002. Further information is at www.royalsoc.ac.uk/royalsoc/faraday2002.htm

NOTES FOR EDITORS

1. If you would like to speak to Sir Harold Kroto about his award, please contact the Vega Science Trust or the Royal Society's press office. Contact details below.
   
2. The Royal Society is an independent academy promoting the natural and applied sciences. Founded in 1660, the Society has three roles, as the UK academy of science, as a learned Society, and as a funding agency. It responds to individual demand with selection by merit, not by field. The Society's objectives are to: 
   recognise excellence in science 
   support leading-edge scientific research and its applications 
   stimulate international interaction 
   further the role of science, engineering and technology in society 
   promote education and the public's understanding of science 
   provide independent authoritative advice on matters relating to science, engineering and technology 
   encourage research into the history of science