Ученый получил награду за разработку метода лечения рака с помощью изотопа свинца-212

A scientist has been awarded an MBE for groundbreaking work that could change the future of cancer care. Dr Howard Greenwood, principal scientist at the United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory (UKNNL) in Preston, was honoured in the King’s Birthday Honours for his services to nuclear waste management. His award recognises a process he pioneered to extract lead-212, a valuable medical isotope, from legacy nuclear material - a breakthrough that could transform cancer treatment. Dr Greenwood said: "I'm very touched by it. "The fact that it was all set in motion by my old team manager and supported by so many people is quite humbling. "My 90-year-old mum cried when I told her." The idea behind his work began nearly a decade ago, following a conversation between UKNNL’s Professor Tim Tinsley and Professor Jane Sosabowski at Queen Mary University London. They asked whether the lab could produce lead-212, a key isotope in targeted alpha therapy (TAT), a promising treatment for certain cancers. Dr Greenwood recalled the moment: "I think we know a way we could do that." What followed was 10 years of research and development, using technology first created 30 years earlier at the same lab. He credits the success to those around him. Dr Greenwood said: "The main reason we are where we are is the people involved. "Their skill and dedication are second to none." Lead-212 enables targeted alpha therapy, which delivers a powerful and highly focused dose of radiation directly to cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. The UKNNL team is now working to produce lead-212 to clinical-grade standards and in quantities that could eventually support tens of thousands of patient doses each year. Dr Greenwood was set to retire but chose to stay on, motivated by personal experience and the project’s potential impact. He said: "We all know people affected by cancer. "Two friends of mine - a couple - died a couple of years ago from different forms of cancer that these drugs might have treated." A conversation with a paediatric oncologist also stuck with him. He said: "Very hard to walk away from that. READ MORE: - Coronation Street star Hayley Tamaddon to take part in Blackpool Race for Life - Do your weekly shop at Tesco and get checked for cancer in Lancashire - Latest travel warning issued to all Brits planning holidays abroad this summer "I'm eternally grateful to my wife for her support and understanding of how very important this is." Dr Greenwood has worked at UKNNL for more than 40 years, specialising in nuclear science and its practical applications. He began his career after studying at the University of Salford and completing a PhD in radiation chemistry.