The prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize has been awarded to a team of researchers from the University of Exeter for their pioneering work on the harmful impacts of plastic pollution on humans and wildlife.
Professors Tamara Galloway, Brendan Godley, Lorna Harries and Dr Ceri Lewis received the honour for their submission on the effects of marine plastic pollution, focusing on the impacts of micro and nano-plastics – tiny plastic particles less than 1mm in length.
The whole of the University of Exeter is both honoured and delighted to win this prestigious award.
Sir Steve Smith, Vice-Chancellor
Their research has visibly impacted governmental decision making, contributing to the 2018 ban on microbeads in cosmetics and shaping government blueprints for improving the natural environment. A recent study has also shed light on the presence of plastic in the food chain, finding trace levels of bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical used in the production of plastic, in 86% of Devon teenagers.
The prize is awarded every two years to UK universities and colleges for outstanding work in their field, upon recommendation from the Awards Council of the Royal Anniversary Trust. Vice-Chancellor Sir Steve Smith has said that the university is “honoured and delighted” to receive the award.
Editor: Pete Syme
