QINETIQ, which has a base at Boscombe Down, and the BNFL Berkeley Centre have been named joint winners of the first Institute of Physics award for best practice in professional development.

The award, which recognises the most successful and innovative solutions to staff development issues, was presented by Lord Sainsbury.

The winners were chosen by the institute's professional standards committee, which established the award to highlight examples of best practice to the wider physics community.

Lord Sainsbury said: "The innovative approaches of QinetiQ and the BNFL Berkeley Centre to professional development are good examples of best practice, and I hope their success in winning the Institute of Physics Award will inspire other companies to follow their lead."

QinetiQ's Dr Dolores Byrne said: "This recognition is welcome but, more importantly, we hope that it will inspire others to appreciate the importance of mentoring staff and adopt similar schemes."