On 4th November 2013, Professor David Nutt FSB was awarded the 2013 John Maddox Prize for Standing up for Science.

Professor Nutt was awarded the prize ‘in recognition of the impact he’s had in influencing evidence-based classification of drugs, and his continued courage and commitment to rational debate, despite opposition and public criticism.’  

Professor Nutt is the former UK government chief drugs advisor, and has warned that drugs legislation is hampering clinical research.

Dr Mark Downs, chief executive of the Society of Biology, says: “It is important that scientists speak out when research is being unnecessarily slowed or prevented, and I’m delighted that Professor Nutt has been recognised in this way.

“There are many examples of people facing adversity as a result of standing up for scientific evidence, and we are pleased to see this being recognised.”

The Prize is a joint initiative of the science journal Nature, the Kohn Foundation, and the charity Sense About Science.