A MEDICAL scientist from Clevedon who founded the Children of the 90s study has been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s New Year honours list.

Professor Jean Golding, aged 72, has been recognised for her work on the world-famous research project, also known as the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, as it reaches its 21st birthday this year.

The University of Bristol project has charted the health and development of more than 14,000 mothers-to-be, providing valuable genetic and environmental information.

The Emeritus Professor of Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology, who was born in Cornwall, has published more than 350 peer-reviewed papers and other honours include Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences as well as runner up in the UK European Woman of the Year competition in 1998.

Retiring from leading the study seven years ago, she now researches baby development.

In her spare time she loves ‘good company, good food and a modicum of wine’ as well as spending time with her two children and grandson.

She said: “I see this as an honour not just for me but for the many participants and members of staff that contributed to the many studies I have been involved with, especially those in Children of the 90s.”