Children of the 90s has won the inaugural Bristol Genius Award, for 'a project or organisation that has the potential to change lives for the better or has already changed lives significantly'.

The decision was announced at an awards ceremony last night [Monday 21 May], attended by Children of the 90s founder, Professor Jean Golding, and Executive Director Lynn Molloy.

Children of the 90s beat off competition from 40 longlisted and 6 shortlisted projects to scoop the award.

In her acceptance speech, Lynn Molloy said:

'I am delighted to accept this award on behalf of all our wonderful and dedicated participants, our hardworking and committed staff, and the first-class scientists we work with in Bristol and all over the world, in particular Professor Jean Golding who had the remarkable vision to found the project all those years ago, and Professor George Davey Smith who succeeded Jean as scientific director and who is ensuring that Children of the 90s is at the forefront of world-leading genetic and epigenetic research.

'The fact that this award comes as we celebrate our 21st birthday this year is metaphorical icing on the birthday cake.'