One of Britain's best known scientists is to receive a prestigious award in Aberdeen on Friday.

Professor Hugh Pennington, who was Chair of Bacteriology at the University of Aberdeen, will be awarded the Lister Medal of the Society of Chemical Industry following a lecture he is giving at the university on Friday.

Professor Pennington's opinion is regularly sought in the media on health issues such as Swine Flu.

The Lister Medal is named after Sir Joseph Lister, the British surgeon who first introduced antisepsis - sterile conditions and infection control - into hospital routine and was first awarded to Sir Alexander Fleming, who discovered penicillin, in 1944.

Professor Pennington's lecture will focus on particular E.coli 0157 outbreaks and influenza pandemics and look at how the treatment of these has been influenced by evolution and history.

The lecture will be held at King's Conference Centre on Friday, November 20 at 5.30pm and is free to attend.