TWO leading scientists are to receive Wolfson Research Merit Awards from the Royal Society.

Prof Malcolm White and Prof Sven Hoefling from the University of St Andrews are named in an exclusive list published today of just 14 outstanding scientists working in the UK chosen for the accolade.

Prof White's award recognises his research into a recently discovered immune system in microbes. His work aims to understanding how these complex molecular machines detect and destroy invading viruses. He said: "This award would not have happened without a lot of hard work by the students, technicians and research fellows in my laboratory. I'd like to take the opportunity to thank them for all their efforts over the years."

Prof Hoefling receives his award in appreciation of his work to understand and exploit light-matter interactions. He said: "What excites me is the inter-disciplinary nature of my work. Effects that I investigate and employ in photonic devices find direct use in areas like classical and quantum communication or optical sensing."