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Birthday Honours for Defence Science and Technology Laboratory employees for their support to the UK's defence and security.

A Ministry of Defence (MOD) scientist and an engineer have been awarded OBEs in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list 2016.

Justin Fellows and Martin Greenstreet, of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), have been recognised for their life-saving work and contribution to the defence and security of the UK.

Justin Fellows is a lead scientist in novel and improvised explosives, based at Porton Down. He has influenced government policy in the UK and with our allies concerning air passenger safety. He was also the technical lead in creating the UK Home Made Explosives centre of excellence.

Speaking of the award, Justin said:

Notification of the individual award came as a great surprise to me as much of the work that Dstl performs involves extensive team working and collaboration. Having worked in the exciting world of explosives research for more than 20 years I have considerable respect for these materials and their potential to cause mass effect. It is for this reason that, as well as performing some truly enjoyable science, I have always promoted safety and have been keen to impart my knowledge to others. Having the opportunity within Dstl to deliver characterisation properties on explosive materials, so that government can make the ‘science informed policy decisions,’ has been very rewarding. I am humbled to receive the honour in recognition of my work.

Dstl Division Head Kevin Wagstaff said:

I am delighted that Justin has received this award. It is testimony of the high regard in which he is held.

Martin Greenstreet, an engineer at Dstl’s Fort Halstead site, was also awarded an OBE for his work supporting UK Military Operations.

Martin has worked within the MOD at Dstl’s Fort Halstead site for more than 30 years, and has for the last 20 years provided significant technical support to various theatres of operation. Martin leads a world-class team of scientific and engineering specialists providing a practical capability that offers complex, bespoke technical solutions to meet specific operational requirements.

Speaking of the award, he said:

It was an honour and a total surprise to learn of my award. The success of Dstl support to operations is very much a team effort and I am supported by a capable and willing team who deserve this award too. This award is a reflection of all the excellent work at Fort Halstead and technical brilliance of the workforce. We are all dedicated to providing scientific and engineering expertise, which without question helps contribute towards giving the UK Military that winning edge.

Dstl Group Leader Alan Hill said the award is well deserved, adding:

I am proud to see Martin’s efforts formally recognised and his work has enabled the military community to undertake urgent operations safely and importantly whilst preserving life. Martin’s input is widely acknowledged to be world-class by the units he supports and the senior staff within Dstl. It’s pleasing to see the impact that science and technology brings to the UK’s armed forces recognised through these awards.’

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