Véronique Gouverneur wins 2016 Tilden Prize

The interdisciplinary work of Merton's Professor Véronique Gouverneur, and the impact of her research discoveries in medicine have been recognised with the award of the 2016 Tilden Prize by the Royal Society of Chemistry. She will be presented with the prize—a medal and certificate, and £5,000—at a ceremony in November, and will give a series of lectures across the UK.

Véronique is Tutor in Organic Chemistry at Merton. Her laboratory specialises in fluorine chemistry and its application to biology and medicine. Among her work is the production of biomarkers, synthetic molecules that can indicate and track the presence of diseases, and the development of new drugs for clinical applications. Her research has been published in over 160 peer-reviewed publications and presented at over 120 conferences.

Commenting on the award, Véronique said:

"I am very honoured to receive this prize as this is a wonderful way to recognize the work that my research group has accomplished in the area of fluorine chemistry since I have been in Oxford. Receiving this prize is for me a striking reminder of how fortunate I am to work with great students and colleagues in a most supportive department and institution."

The Tilden Prize, founded in 1939, commemorates Sir William Augustus Tilden, British chemist and pioneer in the teaching of science. Former recipients include Nobel Laureates Harry Kroto, Fred Sanger and Linus Pauling.