Ground breaking noise insulation techniques for new homes pioneered by Edinburgh Napier University, funded by HBF and delivered through Robust Details Limited (RDL), has led to the award of the Queen’s Anniversary Prize – the highest accolade that can be awarded to a higher education institution in the UK. The research carried out by the university has seen 400,000 new homes incorporating pioneering designs and has led to a fourfold drop in complaints about noise from neighbours. Prof Sean Smith of Napier said: “These new building techniques mean that home occupants suffer less stress, less sleep interruption and enjoy a better quality of life. It shows the very real benefits that can result when universities and the business sector work so closely together.” <br>