A GLASGOW physicist has received a top award for inspiring thousands of youngsters to take an interest in science.

Strathclyde University lecturer Carol Trager-Cowan, 44, has been made Strathclyder of the Year for her projects helping school pupils and the wider public to take up the subject.

Her efforts have included taking city tours showing Glasgow's scientific heritage, helping kids create indoor lighting, rainbows and silicon chips and organising talks.

Her own research involves the study of nitride semiconductors, from which coloured LEDs and blue laser diodes are manufactured.

Professor Andrew Hamnett, principal of the university, said: "Carol is strongly committed to public engagement activities and it is hard to overstate the importance of this side of her work.

"She embodies useful learning, making often complex concepts understandable to young people which will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the future of science education and research."