The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) has today announced the recipient of its 2025 Horizon Prize for Analytical Science; a pioneering research project exploring the identification of synthetic drugs to advance policing and harm reduction.
MANDRAKE (MANchester DRug Analysis and Knowledge Exchange) is a scientific resource based at Manchester Met that facilitates rapid, robust and cost-effective chemical analysis, and was a key collaborator in the winning project.
The prize-winning research specifically explores the development of the world’s first portable test to detect synthetic drugs such as ‘spice’ – the name given to a mixture of lab-made drugs known as synthetic cannabinoids or Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS).
The project aims to help stem the flow of synthetic drugs smuggled into prisons and reduce the devastating effects on users of these highly addictive substances.
Misuse of synthetic cannabinoids is a real threat to prison populations and staff, as they cause severe negative effects including anxiety, paranoia, psychotic episodes and even death.
Violent incidents can also be commonplace in environments where synthetic cannabinoids are rife, due to their intensely negative and reality-distorting effects.
The winning project is a culmination of work from a multidisciplinary consortium of academics and research professionals, led by Professor Chris Pudney (University of Bath) and supported by MANDRAKE.
Dr Oliver Sutcliffe, Director of MANDRAKE and Reader at Manchester Met, is a pharmaceutical chemist working on the synthesis, analysis and harm reduction of illicit drugs and NPS.
Oliver said: “We have seen first-hand the devastating effects of synthetic cannabinoids on the homeless community in Greater Manchester and due to the rapidly evolving synthetic drug market, many frontline health professionals are unsure how to effectively respond to emergencies.
“Our team is extremely proud to be part of the development of this rapid field-deployable system, which offers a game-changing solution to tackling the serious drug-related harms affecting vulnerable sections of our society. To go ahead and win the prestigious RSC Horizon Prize for this important work is a real honour.”
The RSC Horizon prizes highlight the most exciting, contemporary chemical science at the cutting edge of research and innovation.
These prizes are for teams or collaborations who are opening up new directions and possibilities in their field, through ground-breaking scientific developments.
The prize consists of a professionally produced video showcasing the prize-winning work and its importance, and a trophy. Each collaborator also receives a certificate and individual recognition.
Professor Nick Brook, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research at Manchester Met, said: “I’m delighted Oliver has been recognised by the Royal Society of Chemistry. The impact of this research into innovative drug detection technologies has improved law enforcement and public health responses. The MANDRAKE project led by Oliver has developed responsive drug analysis and is a key part of the Greater Manchester Drugs Early Warning System.
“The RCS Horizon award is a well-deserved recognition for the further pioneering work Oliver is undertaking with collaborators at the University of Bath – truly excellent research with impact.”
