Sir David MacMillan, Nobel prizewinner in Chemistry, returned to his former school, Bellshill Academy, last week to speak to pupils and encourage them to set their ambitions high.
He met pupils with interests in chemistry and environmental studies and spent time answering their questions as well as encouraging them think positively about their futures.
Barry McBride, Depute Head Teacher at Bellshill Academy, said: “It was really appreciated by all the pupils and staff that David would take time out of his busy schedule to speak to the kids.
"He speaks so well and truly inspires them and makes them realise that the sky is the limit, and that they can achieve anything. He really is an inspiration to them.”
Amy Neill (S5 Pupil) said: “Sir David and I both come from New Stevenston and speaking with him it makes me realise that what I thought was impossible is in fact achievable. He is such an approachable, nice guy
Nathan Chang-Leng (S5 Pupil) added: “It’s incredible to think that he went to the same school as me and, taking the time to speak with us, has made me realise that if I put my mind to it, I can achieve anything.”
Sir David William Cross MacMillan FRS FRSE is the James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor of Chemistry at Princeton University, where he was also the chair of the Department of Chemistry from 2010 to 2015.
He won The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2021 for the development of asymmetric organocatalysis.