David Phillips Fellowships are awarded to the UK’s most promising early career researchers. Dr Roberts received the award for his work on studying vision in deep sea animals, which could have benefits in optical technologies. He was one of seven academics to become a David Phillips Fellow, and one of a total of 16 to gain a BBSRC Fellowship in the latest funding round.

Dr Celia Caulcott, Director, Innovation and Skills for BBSRC, said: ‘We are excited to be awarding these Fellowships, which give scientists the freedom to submerge themselves in their science and offer an opportunity to learn new skills and develop innovative ideas without being distracted by funding worries. Awards such as these help build a robust research base, placing UK scientists as world leaders and ultimately benefiting society as a whole.’