Oxford University has won a prestigious award for its contribution to the fight against tropical diseases.

The Queen's Anniversary Prize, established in 1994 to recognise outstanding achievements by British universities and colleges, was given to the Centre for Tropical Medicine, part of the Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, and will be presented by the Queen on February 15.

The centre has developed a network of research units across Africa, Asia, Oceania and South America, where University staff treat patients and investigate diseases in collaboration with local medical staff and scientists.

Prof David Warrell, the founding director of the Centre, said: "We hope the award will raise awareness about tropical medicine locally, nationally and internationally, and encourage further training and research in this country and overseas."

**As reported in last week's Oxford Mail, Oxford Brookes University's post-graduate course for humanitarian aid workers has also gained a Queen's Anniversary Prize