LEADING chemist Dr Robin Attrill has received The Royal Society of Chemistry's Inspirational Member Award.

Dr Attrill, who is from the Island, works in research and development GlaxoSmithKline.

He was nominated by his peers for his outstanding contribution to proactively and inclusively supporting his colleagues and the wider scientific community.

Dr Attrill said: “Throughout my career, which has been focussed on the development of new medicines, I have always tried to give back to science, and my involvement with the RSC Heterocyclic and Synthesis Group is one of my ways of doing that.

“I also want to ensure that future generations of chemists are supported and encouraged, and my involvement in student mentoring, academic collaborations and consortia, and initiatives such as Dial-a-Molecule, are my way of contributing to this.

"I was totally surprised, and extremely flattered, to win the award, and I am very grateful to those who nominated me for this recognition.”

Dr Robert Parker, chief executive of the Royal Society of Chemistry said: “This award really is about celebrating the efforts of the unsung heroes who go above and beyond to support their colleagues and our wider community.

"It is for this reason we’re exceptionally proud to be presenting this award to Dr Attrill.

“Not only is this award recognition of an outstanding effort, but this serves as inspiration to colleagues through the chemical sciences community to do what they can for the people around them.”