Professor Lesley Yellowlees FRSE
Lesley’s whole academic career has been at the University of Edinburgh. After graduating she worked in Australia, which is where she first got interested in solar energy. Lesley then returned to the University to study for a PhD on how to convert the energy that comes from the sun into electricity, and this has remained the focus of her research to date. She led a successful research group for many years engaging with fantastic students and wonderful colleagues before taking up senior management roles at Edinburgh. One of the highlights of her academic career was when she became the President of the Royal Society of Chemistry – their first woman President in 170 years.
Many people are surprised that solar energy has a part to play in Scotland but, in fact, we get more than enough sunlight for solar energy to be an important component of our renewable energy portfolio – witness the increasing number of solar panels on roofs. There’s still plenty of research to be done, not only in turning sunlight into electricity and making it an efficient process using cheap, readily-available chemicals, but also in being able to store this energy so that we can use it during the night when the sun isn’t shining.
Her current research interests are inorganic electrochemistry and spectroelectrochemistry, epr spectroscopy, synthesis and characterisation of potential solar energy dyes, utilisation of CO2, public engagement of science and promoting women in science.
Involved in
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Advice Papers
The RSE responds to the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee's inquiry into diversity in STEM.
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Advice Papers
The RSE responds to the UK Parliament's All-Party Parliamentary Group on Diversity and Inclusion in STEM's inquiry into Equity in the STEM Workforce.
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Advice Papers
The LSG response to the General Teaching Council for Scotland's (GTCS) consultation on revised Professional Standards and a new Professional Code.
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Advice Papers
The LSG response to the Scottish Government's Education and Skills Committee's inquiry into recruiting and training new teachers.
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Advice Papers
The LSG response to the Scottish Parliament Education and Skills Committee’s call for evidence on the STEM experiences of three to seven year olds.
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Advice Papers
The LSG response to the Scottish Parliament Education and Skills Committee’s inquiry into subject choice.
