Cardiff’s Professor Turner OBE awarded the Leslie Matthews Medal

Professor Turner OBE has become the 10th recipient of the Leslie Matthews Medal since it was initiated 25 years ago.

Cardiff School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences hosted the presentation of the Leslie Matthews Medal to Professor Terence D. Turner OBE on 26th July 2017.

Presented by the Head of School, Professor Gary Baxter and Briony Hudson, representing the British Society for the History of Pharmacy (BSHP), the medal was awarded in recognition of Professor Turner’s original and scholarly work in the history of British pharmacy.

The President and a panel, selected by the Committee, evaluate nominations for the award based on competence of research, skill in interpretation and ability in presentation. Professor Turner is only the 10th recipient of the medal in the 25 years since it was initiated.

The medal honours the memory of Mr Leslie G. Matthews (1897-1997), a barrister, pharmacist and scholar, and is intended to promote research in the history of British pharmacy to which he made a major contribution.  The first medal was awarded to Mr Leslie Matthews in May 1992 on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the founding of the BSHP.

Briony Hudson, representing the BHSP, said "I'm delighted to be able to present Professor Turner with the Leslie Matthews Medal.  His lifelong commitment to pharmacy history in Wales shown here at the School of Pharmacy, and in many other organisations, is exceptional. His collections, lectures and publications have enabled many students, teaching staff and members of the public to explore pharmacy history and bring it to life." Professor Turner added "I am very honoured to receive this award, particularly because, as a founder member of the British Society for the History of Pharmacy, I knew Leslie Matthews. In accepting the medal, I reflect on the extent of pharmacy history collections in Wales - at the National Museum, the Cardiff Story, the National Botanic Garden of Wales, and in the University's own Special Collections and Archive - and feel encouraged that pharmacy history has a bright future and I have played a part in this."

Cardiff University’s School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is also home to The Turner Collection which chronicles the development of production and dispensing of medicines from the early 19th century.  All visitors are welcome.