Oct 12 2006
Emeritus Professor John F J Todd of the School of Physical Sciences at the University of Kent has been awarded the Aston Medal by the British Mass Spectrometry Society.
The Aston Medal was established by the British Mass Spectrometry Society in 1987. As the Society’s most prestigious scientific award, it is (occasionally) given to individuals deserving special recognition by reason of their outstanding contributions to knowledge in the biological, chemical, engineering, mathematical, medical, or physical sciences relating directly to mass spectrometry. The medal takes the name of one of Britain’s founders of mass spectrometry, Francis William Aston.
Professor Todd, whose work since arriving at Kent in 1965 has involved a variety of aspects of mass spectrometry, with emphasis on instrumental methods and development, is only the eighth recipient of the Aston Medal since it was instituted. His previous awards include the Thomson Gold Medal by the International Mass Spectrometry Society. Together with a colleague, Professor Raymond March of Trent University in Canada, Professor Todd has also co-authored a recently published research monograph Quadrupole Ion Trap Mass Spectrometry (2nd Edition).
Commenting on his award Professor Todd said, ‘I am delighted and thrilled to have received this honour, and I especially wish to thank the successive generations of my postgraduate students at Kent, together with various UK and international collaborators, who have enabled and stimulated my own research – this award is also really a recognition of their own contributions to this area of science.’
Professor Paul Strange, Head of the School of Physical Sciences said, ‘The Aston Medal is only given to world-leading researchers in mass spectrometry. I am delighted that Professor Todd’s outstanding record of research in this area has been recognised with this prestigious award.’
The British Mass Spectrometry Society is a registered charity founded in 1964. It aims to encourage participation in all aspects of mass spectrometry on the widest basis, to promote knowledge and advancement in the field and to provide a forum for the exchange of views and information.