News
Monday 2 October 2006
Top science prize for chemistry students
An extensive database explaining how current drug detection techniques work has earned a group of Nottingham Trent University students a top science award. The chemistry students – from the University’s School of Biomedical and Natural Sciences – won the prestigious Passion for Science prize at the National Forensic Research and Teaching Conference.
Rachel Bolton-King, Katherine Brown, Sadie Hoyes and Amy Swain were judged to have taken a novel approach, targeting emerging issues in drug testing rather than just focusing on the health and legal aspects of drug misuse. The issue is seen as highly topical with the increasing use of workplace testing and media interest in sports doping in the run up to the 2012 Olympics.
The database provides a ‘how things work’ approach to the devices used in drug detection, from equipment in hospital laboratories to the simple dipsticks tests which can be bought on the high street. A key aim is for it to be used as an educational resource by a wide-range of people from the worried parent to the athlete or science student.
To ensure the material is easy to understand, it will be managed and constantly updated by students with assistance from a tutor. The core database will be maintained at Nottingham Trent University but will provide a platform for contributions from students across the UK. It can be viewed at www.isitbanned.co.uk.
Project coordinator, Dr James Davis, said: “This is a fantastic achievement by the students. The main problem is that most drug websites or leaflets tell you about the dangers of drugs and health effects, but not about how they can be detected. As the availability of simple test kits increase and are used within the workplace, home or school, then it is important that people understand how they work and what their limitations are.”
He added: “The next intake of chemistry and forensic science students at Nottingham Trent University will be given the opportunity to take up junior research assistantships and contribute further to the project.”
The second-year students received their award at the conference, organised by the Forensic Institute. The three-day event was held to showcase some of the latest developments in forensic research.
ENDS
Notes for editors:
For more information please contact:
Dave Rogers, Press Officer, on telephone +44 (0)115 848 8782, or via email: dave.rogers@ntu.ac.uk.
Or Therese Easom, Press and Media Relations Manager, on telephone +44 (0)115 848 8774, or via email: therese.easom@ntu.ac.uk.
