A REDDITCH chemist has won a prestigious award for her work with nanomaterials.

Professor Vicki Stone has won the Toxicology Award, presented by the Royal Society of Chemistry, for the contributions of chemical science to occupational and environmental toxicology.

Professor Stone researches the effects of tiny particles – one hundredth the width of a human hair - on living creatures.

Since there are many such nanomaterials in the environment, it is important to know how they affect the body, if they are breathed in, eaten, or come in contact with the skin.

Professor Stone, who received £2,000 and a medal and certificate, said: “It is a great surprise to receive the award.

“Working in the field of nanomaterial toxicology it is increasingly important that as toxicologists we work with chemists and material scientists in order to inform appropriate risk management of nanomaterials as well as including safety in their design in future. I hope to use this award to strengthen such relationships.”

Dr Robert Parker, Chief Executive of the Royal Society of Chemistry said: “Whether they work in research, industry or academia, our winners are the very best in their fields, and they can be very proud to follow in the footsteps of some of the most influential and important scientists around the world."

Award winners are evaluated for the originality and impact of their research, as well as the quality of the results which can be shown in publications, patents, or even software.