Professor Evershed, from the University’s School of Chemistry, is an internationally renowned analytical organic chemist and the leading exponent of biomolecular archaeology who has revolutionised aspects of archaeological science.  His research has resulted in many new insights into the lives of ancient peoples and advanced the understanding of biomolecules in fossils.

This latest award brings to 33 the number of academics currently at Bristol University whose work in the fields of science, engineering, technology and medicine has been honoured in this way.

Professor Tom Simpson of the School of Chemistry said: “I am delighted that Richard Evershed has been elected as Fellow of the Royal Society.  It is a tremendous honour for Richard to receive this ultimate scientific recognition and, of course, for the School of Chemistry, the Faculty and the University.  After Professor Mike Ashfold last year, this is the second year in a row that a member of the School of Chemistry has had one of its staff elected and the 5th in the last 10 years – a truly impressive record.”

The Royal Society is the world’s oldest scientific academy and has been at the forefront of enquiry and discovery since its foundation in 1660.  Past and present members include Charles Darwin, Albert Einstein, Dorothy Hodgkin, Isaac Newton, Christopher Wren and Stephen Hawking.

Fellows of the Royal Society are elected for life and designate themselves through the use of the letters FRS after their names.  Only 44 new members are elected each year.

Professor Richard Evershed developed an exhibition about his research with the University's Centre for Public Engagement that was displayed at the prestigious Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition in 2009.  He invited visitors to become a "Palaeodetective" and use forensic-style deduction to identify how ancient humans and other organisms lived. The exhibition will next be displayed in the University's tent at the Festival of Nature on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 July at Bristol's Harbourside.