Professor Lay has gained an outstanding international recognition across a range of research areas including bioinorganic chemistry (metal-based anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer drugs, the toxicity and efficacy of chromium carcinogens and anti-diabetic drugs, and the active sites of heme proteins) and synchrotron research. Recognition of the significance of this research is evidenced by the awards of the Rennie, Burrows and H. G. Smith medals of the RACI, and the successful floating of the company, Medical Therapies on the Australian Stock Exchange to take the metal anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer drugs (already internationally commercialized for veterinary applications) into human clinical trials.