Dr Pattison's winning paper was entitled, "Hypochlorous acid-mediated protein oxidation: How important are chloramines transfer reactions and protein tertiary structure?". In his research, Dr Pattison explored the dual function of hypochlorous acid (HOCI, known to many as household bleach) as both a protector and destroyer within the human body. HOCI is generated by our bodies and is necessary for protection from bacteria but excessive amounts can cause damage that has been implicated in the development of inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis (accumulation of fat within arteries that lead to heart disease), arthritis and certain cancers.

In his work, Dr Pattison has been attempting to determine how HOCI reacts with potential targets in the body such as proteins, fats and antioxidants. Identifying these targets is a prerequisite for determining which ones will react with HOCI in the artery walls, causing the inflammation that develops into atherosclerosis.
Through a series of experiments, Dr Pattison was able to demonstrate that proteins are the main targets for HOCI but the cascading effects of damage caused by these reactions, has led Dr Pattison to believe that damage is transferable between the various biological targets. His findings are a vital step towards future prevention and even reversal of the damage caused by HOCI.

The Bruce Reid Young Achiever Award has been given to scientists whose work has been classified as of a particular high standard in honour of The Heart Research Institutes' former Chairman, the late Dr Robert (Bruce) Reid. This award is one of five handed out each year at HRI's most prestigious annual event.