Prof. Kennedy has a strong international reputation for his research into both carbohydrate and protein chemistry, and biotechnology. Throughout his career he has contributed extensively to scientific knowledge and has held senior chemistry and biochemistry posts in industry and academia. Prof. Kennedy has published over 500 papers and 25 books based upon his research. He was awarded the Meldola Medal for Chemistry in 1972, the Carbohydrate Chemistry Award by the Royal Society of Chemistry in 1976, and became Professor of Applied Chemistry, at the North East Wales Institute, University College of Wrexham, in 1994. Prof. Kennedy was also a Senior Lecturer in the School of Chemistry at The University of Birmingham for many years. Professor Phillips is currently Chairman of Research Transfer Ltd, Phillips Hydocolloids Research Ltd, the Cellucon and Trusts and the Wrexham Gums and Stabilisers Conferences. He is a Professorial Fellow at the North East Wales Institute (University of Wales) and a Consultant to several industrial organisations, including to the Association for the International Promotion of Gums. Professor Phillips graduated from the University of Wales in Chemistry and holds the degrees of Batchelor of Science (B.Sc.), Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and Doctor of Science (D.Sc)., from this University, and is a Chartered Chemist and Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry. He has held positions as Executive Principal/ Chief Executive of the North East Wales Institute (University of Wales), and Chairman / Professor of Chemistry of the Department of Chemistry and Applied Chemistry, University of Salford, England. From 1970 - 1973 he served as the Foundation Vice Chancellor to set up the University of Benin, Nigeria, who on their 20th Anniversary conferred the degree of Doctor of Science Honoris Causa on Professor Phillips.