Researchers honoured by The Royal Society

The outstanding achievements of two UCL researchers - Professor Essi Viding and Professor Mark Miodownik - have been recognised by The Royal Society, the UK's national Academy of science, in this year's Awards and Prizes announcement. Professor Essi Viding (UCL Brain Sciences) has been awarded the Rosalind Franklin Award and Lecture for her work investigating different developmental pathways to persistent antisocial behaviour. Professor Viding co-directs the Developmental Risk and Resilience Unit at UCL, which explores the genetic and environmental risk factors that shape how the brain processes social and emotional information in childhood. The central aim of the unit's research is to better understand mechanisms of developmental vulnerability and resilience. Professor Viding said: 'It is a great honour to win the Royal Society Rosalind Franklin Award and I am absolutely delighted. I very much look forward to delivering the award lecture, but most of all I am excited to work on the award project to promote STEM careers as an exciting and viable career option for girls from different backgrounds.' The Rosalind Franklin Award and Lecture is awarded annually and is made to support the promotion of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Previous winners include UCL academics Professor Rachel McKendry, Professor Sarah-Jayne Blakemore and Professor Eleanor McGuire.