Department of Chemistry, University College London - Vernon Prize

What the Vernon Prize is

You will receive a one-off cash prize and an official award from the Department of Chemistry at University College London (UCL) for outstanding achievements in the field of biochemistry, that is, the study of chemical processes in living organisms. The information box states that this award is worth around 120 EUR. It is awarded once a year. The award itself is often more important on your CV than the monetary value. The prize is named after Professor Charles Vernon, a long-serving chemist at UCL.

Who can win it

• Where you study: You are a Bachelor’s student on the Chemistry degree programme at UCL in London.
• Study phase: You are in the final year of your degree.
• Field: His most outstanding work is in the field of biological chemistry.
• Results: Judging by your marks and your final dissertation, you have achieved the best results in this department out of your year group.
• Nationality: Open to students of all nationalities.

How it is awarded

There is no application process. The faculty selects the winner internally each year, based on your marks and your dissertation. You simply earn this title by doing well in your studies.

How realistic are your chances?

Each year, the award is presented to just one student, selected from among final-year chemistry students at UCL who have excelled in the field of biological chemistry. The pool of candidates is small, but the standards are high. You cannot apply for the award or campaign for it; it is awarded to the single student with the best academic performance. Focus on achieving good marks and producing an outstanding final dissertation – the decision is made by the department.