New Year Honours for Ministry of Defence scientists
Recognition for Defence Science and Technology Laboratory employees for their support to the Armed Forces.
The Queen has awarded OBEs to two Ministry of Defence (MOD) scientists in the New Year Honours list 2016.
Dr Emrys Kirkman and Dr Martin Pearce of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) at Porton Down are both recognised for their support to troops on the front line.
Looking for the latest Honours recipients? See the 2016 New Year Honours list
West Hampshire-based Dr Martin Pearce has worked within the MOD for more than twenty years, deploying overseas six times, to both Iraq and Afghanistan. His work has included force protection and biological, chemical and toxin analytical capability.
Speaking of the award, Martin said:
It was an honour and a surprise to hear of my award. The success of Dstl support to operations never has been, and never can be, due to the efforts of a single person. I firmly believe that this award is a reflection of the hard work over the years of many people, including those providing scientific expertise from the UK, coordinating deployment of staff into theatres of operation, and providing personal support to me when overseas.
Dr Emrys Kirkman, from Wiltshire, receives his OBE for his work improving emergency medical treatment to those who are critically injured on the battlefield. His research has shown the benefits of in-situ treatment, which significantly improves the chances of survival for severely injured people.
Emrys was delighted:
I’m thrilled to receive this award, which came as a complete surprise. The award is based on work which is very much a joint effort of a team based at Dstl Porton Down working closely with military medical colleagues. It’s a tremendous privilege to work as part of this team and gratifying to think that we’ve been able to make a contribution to improving the treatment of injured Service personnel and on the treatment of severely injured casualties in civilian practice.
Dstl Fellow Tim Atkins says the awards are well deserved:
I am proud to see the positive impact that science and technology has on the UK’s armed forces recognised through these awards. Both Martin and Emrys have made exceptional contributions that support our armed forces who put themselves in harm’s way to protect others.
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