York Scientist Makes Innovation Shortlist

A team led by a University of York scientist which has developed new plants which can be used to clean up land polluted with explosives, is a finalist in the BBSRC Innovator of the Year 2014 competition. Professor Neil Bruce, of the Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP) in the University’s Department of Biology, and his team are shortlisted in the Social Innovator of the Year category.

The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council competition recognises and rewards individuals and small teams who have harnessed the potential of their excellent research.  By studying the ways in which plants deal with toxic chemicals, Professor Bruce and his team, who included researchers from the University of Washington and the US Army, engineered new plants that are able to remove toxic explosive pollutants from contaminated soil and water. Explosives pollution is a global problem with large amounts of land contaminated, including polluted sites dating back to the First and Second World Wars. 

Professor Bruce said: “I am thrilled to have been selected as a finalist for this award.  Our work represents a cost-effective, environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing alternative to clean up explosives on contaminated land.”

The research studies carried out by Professor Bruce and his colleagues also demonstrates that phytoremediation -- cleaning up polluted environments with plants -- can potentially be applied to many different types of organic pollutants. This work provides a positive example of the societal benefits of genetic modification in non-food crops. 

The awards will be presented at a high-profile event in London on 20 March 2014 in front of an invited audience of leading figures from the worlds of investment, industry, government, charity and academia.  Winners in each category will receive a £15,000 award, with a further £15,000 for the overall winner.