Professor Tsun-Kong (T.K.) Sham, Canada Research Chair in Materials and Synchrotron Radiation at The University of Western Ontario and a driving force behind the Canadian Light Source (CLS), is the recipient of the Canadian Society for Chemistry John C. Polanyi Award.
Sham is being recognized for outstanding contributions to the field of physical chemistry, using synchrotron light and other advanced spectroscopic techniques to study the chemical structure of nanomaterials.
“It feels good to receive one of the most prestigious awards given out by the society,” says Sham. “The whole synchrotron community also deserves a lot of credit, including the scientific staff at the CLS, collaborators, my students and post-docs over the years.”
Sham is one of the founders of synchrotron science in Canada, having worked with other Western researchers at the Canadian Synchrotron Research Facility beamlines at the Synchrotron Radiation Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
He assumed a leadership role in development of the CLS, is the principal investigator on three of the beamlines at Canada’s synchrotron, and has served on the facility’s Board of Directors.
“Everyone at the CLS is thrilled that T.K. is being recognized with the Polanyi award,” says Thomas Ellis, Director of Research at the CLS. “His energy and enthusiasm are inspirational.”
Sham and his research group use the CLS to study the structure of nanomaterials to help in creating nanotech devices that can lead to smaller, faster computers, superefficient lighting, better catalysts and lighter, stronger materials.
“Many of his contributions have helped chart the course of Canadian science, while educating a generation of Western students,”
says Ted Hewitt, Western’s Vice-President (Research & International Relations).