University to receive award for 'pollution solution'

Queen's University in Belfast has today received a top award for its pioneering work on environmentally friendly technology.

The Queen's University's Ionic Liquids Laboratories (QUILL) Research Centre has created an exciting new 'green' technology, which has the potential to impact on the daily lives of everyone around the world.

QUILL has developed industrial solvents, which are fume free and therefore less harmful to the environment.

Earlier today, Queen's University Chancellor Senator George Mitchell led a team to receive the prestigious national award from the Queen at Buckingham Palace. The Queen's Anniversary Prizes for Higher and Further Education recognise outstanding achievement by universities and colleges throughout the UK.

Speaking earlier, Senator Mitchell said: "I am delighted and honoured to be part of the Queen's delegation to be presented with this award. This is well-deserved recognition of the University's role as a world leader in a key area of research, which will benefit society worldwide. The work of centres such as QUILL is one of the reasons why Queen's enjoys an international academic reputation and I congratulate all those involved in this major achievement."

On the trip, Senator Mitchell was accompanied by Queen's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter Gregson, QUILL's Directors Professor Ken Seddon and Professor Jim Swindall, and Professor Martin Atkins, a Visiting Professor at Queen's and Chair of QUILL's industry-advisory board. The delegation also included QUILL postgraduate students.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Gregson described QUILL as exemplifying Queen's Vision for the Future.

He said: "The Vision is summed up in the phrase 'leading, inspiring, delivering' QUILL is demonstrably leading the world in the development of an exciting new scientific process, inspiring a whole new generation of international researchers and delivering solutions to a problem of global proportions."

QUILL is now the UK representative on the newly formed International Green Network, an international scientific consortium focused on developing green chemistry.

The Network, which is dedicated to tackling environmental concerns, consists of eight research centres, one based in each of the G8 countries.

(EF/SP)