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Toxicologist honoured for research used in Salisbury poisoning
A toxicology expert whose pioneering research was used during the Salisbury nerve agent attack has been appointed made by Prof Rob Chilcott's team at the University of Hertfordshire shaped emergency protocols used in incidents involving toxic chemicals in the UK and developed a dry decontamination system used during the Novichok poisoning case in Chilcott, who retired in 2025, said he was "deeply honoured to receive a King's Honour in recognition of the work my colleagues and I have undertaken".
The team, which also included Dr Hazem Matar and Dr Joanne Larner, found that showering casualties while they are still clothed can drive toxic chemicals deeper into the led them to develop the "disrobe and dry" approach, which removes up to 99% of contaminants before any water is used.A large-scale exercise in Rhode Island in the US, dubbed Operation Downpour, proved the new methods were adopted on both sides of the Atlantic, with the Home Office describing the team's work as "fundamental".Prof Chilcott said: "This award reflects the significant international contributions of the University of Hertfordshire's Toxicology Research Group in delivering high-quality, evidence-based scientific support to government departments and agencies."
Many other people from Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire were recognised in the King's Birthday Honours, including Strictly Come Dancing presenter Tess Daly, appointed manager of The Hundred, Sanjay Patel, was appointed MBE for services to cricket, while Andrew Love, senior adviser to London hotel The Ritz was appointed OBE, and Paulette Mastin, chair of the Black Solicitors' Network was appointed CBE for services to diversity in legal services.
Also appointed MBE is conservationist Dr Helen Read, from 64-year-old is an internationally recognised expert in millipedes and other has been at the forefront of classifying the crawling creatures for nearly 40 years and has also pioneered conservation practices of ancient Read, from Buckinghamshire, played a leading role in establishing the Ancient Tree Forum.
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