Avtar Singh Matharu is a professor of chemistry and Deputy Head of Department at the University of York in England. His research interests include green and sustainable chemistry with a particular focus on the valorisation of renewable resources using green technologies. He developed Matharu Plots which analyse geographical biases when citing academic literature.
Early life and education
Matharu was born in Nairobi and then raised in Leicester from the age of 6. His PhD studies were in the field of Liquid Crystals, developing methods to recycle LCD waste. In 2021, he became the first turban-wearing Professor of Sikh heritage at the University of York.
Anti-racism and community work
Matharu is also well known for his work challenging racism and racist barriers in STEM and academia, and promoting interfaith community partnerships, for which he was awarded an MBE. He is Chair of the York Indian Cultural Association, and treasurer of the York Inter-Faith group which aims to promote mutual respect and understanding between faith communities.
STEM Education
He was a recipient of the 2026 RSC Horizon for Education prize for "For championing decolonisation of the undergraduate chemistry curriculum, through widespread dissemination of strategies and resources to promote more inclusive chemistry teaching".
