Queen's University Belfast has received an award from the Queen for its pioneering work in green technology.
Queen's University's Ionic Liquids Research Centre (QUILL) has developed industrial solvents which are fume free and less harmful to the environment.
QUB Chancellor Senator George Mitchell led a team to receive the award at Buckingham Palace on Thursday.
The centre's co-director, Professor Jim Swindall said it was the premier academic award in the UK.
He said that it meant the centre could expand its work.
QUILL creates designer solvents which, they say, will also improve working conditions for thousands of people and significantly enhance job and wealth creation.
Senator Mitchell said: "This is well-deserved recognition of the university's role as a world leader in a key area of research which will benefit society worldwide.
"The work of centres such as QUILL is one of the reasons why Queen's enjoys an international academic reputation and I congratulate all those involved in this major achievement."
QUILL is the UK representative on the newly formed International Green Network, an international scientific consortium focused on developing green chemistry.
The Network, which is dedicated to tackling environmental concerns, consists of eight research centres, one based in each of the G8 countries.
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