Paul Walton, a leading figure in bioinorganic chemistry and an internationally known advocate for equality in science, is set to bring his dual expertise to KTH as Digital Futures’ Scholar-in-Residence from 7 August to 30 October 2025. His career spans more than three decades of pioneering research, including the discovery of the histidine brace in copper oxidases, a finding that reshaped our understanding of these essential enzymes. Alongside his scientific achievements, Walton has been a tireless champion of gender equality in academia, recognized as runner-up for the Royal Society’s inaugural Athena Prize and included among the Royal Society of Chemistry’s 175 Faces of Chemistry.
During his residency, Walton will pursue two intertwined goals. On the one hand, he plans to expand his research on rapid quantum chemistry calculations for transition metal complexes, working closely with experts in artificial intelligence within the Digital Futures community. On the other hand, he will share his extensive experience in advancing gender equality, exploring how academic institutions can foster more inclusive environments. This dual focus—cutting-edge research and institutional change—captures the spirit of the Scholar-in-Residence programme, which seeks to bring fresh perspectives into the Digital Futures ecosystem.
Hosted by Professor Sandra Pauletto, from the Media Technology and Interaction Design division at KTH EECS, Walton’s stay will also be a platform for exchange. By bridging chemistry and AI, and by sparking conversations on equality and diversity, he hopes to inspire both scientific innovation and cultural transformation. For Pauletto and her colleagues, his presence will be an opportunity to connect different disciplines, engage in dialogue, and mentor early-career researchers.
As part of his stay, Walton will give a public talk on Thursday 9 October 2025, titled “Gender equality in sciences: why is it taking so long?”.
Walton’s arrival underscores the mission of the Scholar-in-Residence initiative: to create space for scholars to step outside their home institutions, explore bold ideas, and contribute to shaping the future of digitalization research. For Walton, it’s not just about advancing his own projects, but also about leaving a lasting impact on the community he joins. Find out more in this interview with Paul Walton.
Your research has significantly advanced our understanding of copper oxidases and led to the discovery of the histidine brace. How do you see your current work on rapid quantum chemistry calculations building on these earlier achievements?
– My work on copper oxidases showed how vital accurate electronic structure is for understanding biology. Today, I’m developing rapid quantum chemistry methods that scale these insights, enabling faster, more accessible simulations across chemistry and materials science.
You’ve been a leading advocate for equality in science and were even recognized among the RSC’s 175 Faces of Chemistry. What lessons from your work on gender equality in academia do you hope to bring into the Digital Futures environment?
– Real progress comes from combining structural reform with cultural change. At Digital Futures, I hope to foster both, bringing policy experience and a commitment to everyday inclusive practices that help diverse voices thrive.
The Scholar-in-Residence programme encourages interdisciplinary collaboration. How do you envision bridging your expertise in chemistry with the AI and digitalization research happening at Digital Futures?
– Chemistry generates complexity and vast amounts of data, while AI offers the tools to make sense of them. I aim to connect rigorous quantum chemistry with machine learning, creating faster, more predictive approaches and reimagining how we do science.
Having held leadership roles such as chair of the RSC’s Diversity Committee and chair of the Department of Chemistry at York, what do you see as the most effective ways institutions can drive lasting change in equality and inclusion?
– The most effective change comes when equality is embedded into leadership, recruitment, and recognition. Diversity should be seen not as an add-on, but as a driver of research excellence—because it leads to more innovative approaches, better questions, and better science.
Looking ahead to your time at Digital Futures, what kind of impact would you like your residency to have—for both your own research and for the scholars and students you’ll be engaging with here?
– I hope to strengthen the interface between chemistry and digital sciences, while inspiring new collaborations. Just as importantly, I want to support students and colleagues in shaping a more inclusive, interdisciplinary research culture.
As his residency unfolds, Paul Walton’s presence at Digital Futures is set to leave a mark that extends far beyond chemistry. By combining pioneering research with a strong commitment to equality, his work embodies the programme’s ambition to foster innovation that is both scientifically groundbreaking and socially transformative. For the Digital Futures community, Walton’s stay is more than a collaboration—it is an opportunity to reimagine how science and society can advance together.
Text: Johanna Gavefalk
