Skip to content

Toxicologist made MBE for research used in spy case

Louise Parry
BBC News, East of England
University of Hertfordshire Rob Chilcott pictured against a dark background. He wears a white open necked shirt and blue polka dot breeches. He has brown eyes, brown short neat hair and a fairly full beard and moustache.University of Hertfordshire
Prof Rob Chilcott helped UK and US security services develop a new approach to decontamination

A toxicology expert whose pioneering research was used during the Salisbury nerve agent attack has been appointed MBE.

Discoveries 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 beyond.

They developed a dry decontamination system used during the Novichok poisoning case in 2018.

Prof 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".

Getty A yellow and white decontamination tent is set up over a park bench in a town. Two decontamination staff approach the tent wearing puffed out yellow hazard suits and green wellies.Getty
A decontamination operation began after Sergei and Yulia Skripal were found unconscious on a park bench

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 skin.

This 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 effective.

They 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."

Getty Sanjay Patel stands in front of a green backdrop holding a microphone and addressing someone/a crowd with a smile on his face. He wears a pink shirt and dark grey suit jacket.Getty
Sanjay Patel was a key figure in the creation of The Hundred - a new type of cricket match

Many other people from Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire were recognised in the King's Birthday Honours, including Strictly Come Dancing presenter Tess Daly, appointed MBE.

Former 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.

Helen Read Helen Read sits in a forest of spaced out ancient trees, with dappled sunlight on the mossy ground. Helen Read
Helen Read was recognised for services to arboriculture and conservation

Also appointed MBE is conservationist Dr Helen Read, from Buckinghamshire.

The 64-year-old is an internationally recognised expert in millipedes and other invertebrates.

She has been at the forefront of classifying the crawling creatures for nearly 40 years and has also pioneered conservation practices of ancient trees.

Ms Read, from Buckinghamshire, played a leading role in establishing the Ancient Tree Forum.

Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

More on this story
Related internet links