Three University of Strathclyde academics have been awarded prestigious Royal Society Wolfson Research Merit Awards.

Recipients Professor Ernesto Estrada, Professor Peter Skabara and Professor Rein Ulijn are all based in Strathclyde’s Science Faculty.

Professor Estrada, of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, will use his award to examine how different categories of complex networks – from interwoven fractures in rocks, to social connections – influence people’s daily lives and shape the world around them. He said: “I am very honoured to receive this award, which also offers recognition for my Department and the Faculty of Science.

“Networks are ubiquitous in everyone’s lives, ranging from tangible infrastructural networks to invisible molecular and cellular ones. This award will allow us to take a step forward in our understanding of these mysteries of nature and society.”

Professor Estrada will examine how networks are formed – for example, looking at the effect of direct and indirect social influences, otherwise known as peer pressure, on how society reaches decisions on important issues. He will also study diffusion of oil and gas through the network of fractures in rocks deep under the Earth, which will be of relevance for oil and gas exploration and could lead to a better understanding of underground carbon capture and storage.

Professor Skabara’s award will allow him to take forward research into organic electronics, including the development of materials for use in devices such as solar cells, lasers, lighting and sensors.

He said: “I am deeply grateful for this award, which recognises the hard work and achievements of my research group members and fellow collaborators, past and present. Plastic electronics is a fascinating and highly-rewarding area to work in.

“New high-tech applications are emerging on the market, such as 4mm thick large-screen OLED TVs, but those working at the coalface of the technology can see what is around the corner and it is exhilarating.

“The award will allow me to spend sufficient time with collaborating groups to learn the latest technical advances in device physics and materials chemistry and to develop ideas from existing data to design, prepare and evaluate bespoke materials for device applications.”

Professor Ulijn’s award relates to his ground-breaking research into the development of molecular materials and systems inspired by biology, for use in fields such as nanotechnology and biomedicine.

Professor Ulijn said: “I am delighted and immensely proud that our work has been acknowledged at this level. Much credit goes to my talented and cosmopolitan team of researchers.

“We work hard to try and find new technological solutions that address issues in health care and nanotechnology by producing simple mimics of biological systems. We are learning more every day and are excited about what the future holds as we are coming ever closer to real world applications.”

His Merit Award will continue until he takes up his new position in the USA, after which an ongoing appointment at Strathclyde will enable him to continue the research.

The Royal Society Wolfson Research Merit Award scheme is jointly funded by the Wolfson Foundation and the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills. Recent Strathclyde award holders include Professors Robert Mulvey, Duncan Graham and Des Higham.