The Royal accolade for CNAP (Centre for Novel Agricultural Products) announced at St James's Palace on Thursday 17 November is the second to be conferred on the University in less than 10 years. It was previously awarded to the University in 1996 for the excellence of its work in Computer Science.

Introduced following the 40th Anniversary of the Queen's reign in 1992, the prizes rank alongside the Queen's Awards for Industry. They are given biennially for "work of exceptional quality and of broad benefit either nationally or internationally."

CNAP, which is part of the University's Department of Biology, works with the natural world to find solutions to problems facing our society. Plants capture solar energy and use it to make a vast range of products in a sustainable way. This ability is much needed by a world facing the depletion of finite fossil reserves and the increasing costs of oil and petrochemicals. CNAP's six Professors work with some 70 researchers and support staff to develop a range of research programmes building on the capacity of plants and microbes to make useful products.

Founded six years ago, the research centre has already established international recognition for its achievements, the quality and creativity of its research and its commitment to communicate science to the public.

CNAP's founder and Director, Professor Dianna Bowles, said "The award of a Queens Anniversary Prize after just six years of existence is a great honour and credit to all of those who have helped to establish CNAP as a vibrant environment, committed to using science to benefit society. Increasing our knowledge of plants and the natural world provides a real opportunity to develop sustainable so
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Contact: David Garner
dcg501@york.ac.uk
44-190-443-2153
University of York
18-Nov-2005