Professor Davis receives this honour in recognition of his work on glucose-binding molecules, which included helping to develop a key breakthrough in binding glucose which could lead to improved treatment for people with diabetes.
His research group set out to design a glucose sensor that could one day be built into systems to support safer diabetes management. Their early designs struggled to bind strongly to glucose while avoiding interference from other molecules. However, after many years of research, the team succeeded in developing GluHUT - a synthetic glucose receptor that overcomes these challenges and shows excellent performance in both strength and selectivity.
“I’m delighted that our work has been recognised," said Professor Davis. "And very grateful to all who contributed to three decades of research in Dublin and Bristol.
"I’m also pleased to receive the award as an applied scientist. It is especially satisfying that work which began as curiosity-driven, with little hope of application, eventually produced results of real practical benefit.”
The Royal Medals were founded by HM King George IV in 1825. Between 1826 and 1964 two medals were awarded each year. In 1965 the third medal, covering the applied sciences, was introduced on behalf of HM Queen Elizabeth II.