Dr Badiei (pictured, right) received the award for her work on ‘Microstructural and rheological studies of fibrin-thrombin gels’ at the BSR Mid-Winter meeting held in late December 2014 at the University of Durham. The prize, which is partly supported by the Vernon Harrison Bequest, comprised £500 and a certificate.

The aim of the Vernon Harrison Annual Doctoral Prize, which was established in 2003, is to recognise excellence, creativity and novelty in research.

The prize is awarded to the postgraduate student who, in the opinion of the Adjudicating Committee, has made the most original and significant contribution to any branch of rheological research (experimental, computational or theoretical) leading to the award of a PhD degree in a given academic year.

Professor Rhodri Williams, President of the British Society of Rheology and Professor at Swansea University’s College of Engineering, said: “The decision of the Adjudicating Committee was unanimous and was made in the face of very stiff competition.

“I would also like to add my personal congratulations to Nafiseh on an excellent piece of work.”

Speaking about her delight at winning the award Dr Badiei, who is based within the Centre for NanoHealth and currently works in the Rheology Laboratories on collaborative research projects with businesses, said: “I am very pleased to receive such recognition and encouragement.

“The competition for this award is always very strong and I would like first to thank my supervisor for unconditional help and support and all my colleagues who work with me. Without your guidance and inspiration, it would have been impossible task.”