Academic Credentials
  • Ph.D., Chemistry, University of Leeds, UK, 2014
  • M.Chem., Chemistry, University of York, UK, 2010

Dr Ben Lake's current work focuses on the compilation and submission of REACH registration dossiers and the provision of in-house expertise in the fields of organometallic/inorganic, polymer and organic chemistry. Prior to joining Exponent, Dr Lake worked as a senior research chemist at Charnwood Molecular, a drug discovery CRO, developing and executing complex synthetic routes to potential API compounds.

Dr Lake originally graduated from the University of York with an MChem in Chemistry in 2010, which included a year in industry working for a spin-out company based in the Netherlands. Following this, he completed his Ph.D. in organometallic chemistry at the University of Leeds, where his work largely focused on the synthesis, characterization and application of transition metal-NHC (N-heterocyclic carbene) complexes. Dr Lake then worked as a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Edinburgh, investigating the controlled radical polymerization of acrylate and styrene monomers mediated by novel iron and titanium complexes. Dr Lake's second postdoctoral appointment was at Nottingham Trent University, where he investigated the synthesis and properties of highly Lewis acidic cationic antimony(V) compounds. Aided by multiple industrial and academic collaborations, Dr Lake is a named author on 14 peer-reviewed research articles and a further 3 book chapters.