During this summer’s graduation ceremony, the School of Chemistry was delighted to award an Honorary Doctorate of Science to Andrew Bissell in recognition of his pioneering work in renewable energy and his impactful collaboration with the School. Andrew, a Computer Science graduate from the University of Edinburgh, co-founded Sunamp Ltd., focusing on advanced heat-storage solutions. His partnership with the School of Chemistry has led to the development of heat batteries for thermal energy storage using phase-change materials (PCMs). This successful collaboration has earned several prestigious awards, highlighting the synergy between academia and industry. Sunamp's cutting-edge technology not only positions it as a leader in the field, but also supports career-development opportunities through hosting 'Year in Industry' undergraduate students and employing former PhD students from the School of Chemistry. Andrew is an inspirational leader who is passionate about entrepreneurship and how business can make a positive impact on climate change, fuel poverty, and the adoption of renewable energy. His journey from an undergraduate computer scientist to founder of one of the UK’s most innovative companies is truly inspirational and highlights how curiosity, collaboration, and determination can drive innovation. The School congratulates Andrew on his achievements and looks forward to continuing this transformative partnership.Read more about the impact of the School of Chemistry-Sunamp collaboration in our case study below. Next generation thermal energy storage for low carbon heating and reduced fuel … Publication date 11 Jul, 2025
