Alumni
Professor Valerie Gibson (BSc Physics 1983), Professor of High Energy Physics at the University of Cambridge, was awarded an OBE for her work examining fundamental particles and forces, her public engagement activities, and her long-term support for gender equality and diversity in science. Professor Gibson also recently captained our alumni team in the Christmas University Challenge series.
Dr Harnovdeep Bharaj (BMedSci Pharmacology and Therapeutics 1983, MB ChB Clinical Medicine 1985) was awarded an MBE for services to People with Diabetes in the South Asian Community. Dr Bharaj is a consultant in Diabetes and General Medicine at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, and has been working to develop and deliver specialised services for disadvantaged and socially-isolated groups in order to provide better access to health and education. In particular, he has been striving to address issues with language and different health care beliefs in these communities.
Claire Waldrom (MEd Inc Education 2001) was awarded an MBE for services to Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Through her career she has worked tirelessly to ensure that families of children with autism receive the support, training and access to services they need.
Alan Armson (BEng Civil Engineering 1972) was awarded an MBE for services to the community in Northamptonshire. He works with a number of organisations that promote the independence of older people and those with disabilities, providing a range of services to assist them to live at home and improve their quality of life, health and well-being.
Stella Thebridge (BA German and Music 1978) was awarded an MBE for services to Public Libraries during Covid-19, ensuring children and families retained access to vital library services during the pandemic.
Alan Lane (BA English Literature 2000) was awarded an MBE for services to the community in South Leeds during Covid-19. The Artistic Director for the ‘Slung Low’ theatre company, he transformed his venue and organisation at the outbreak of the pandemic into a community response hub. With his team, they built a group of over 100 volunteers to support people with food and medicine deliveries, and help those suffering from isolation and loneliness.
Professor Hora Soltani-Karbaschi (MMedSci Human Nutrition 1994, PhD Obstetrics and Gynaecology 1997) was also awarded an MBE for services to Higher Education and to Maternal and Infant Health.
Staff
Current and former staff who were recognised in the Honours include:
Professor Adewale Adebajo (Honorary Professor at the School of Health and Related Research and previous Associate Director of Teaching) was awarded an MBE for services to Inclusive Patient and Public Involvement in Research. Through his work with the School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), Professor Adebajo has made important contributions to health services research focussing on musculoskeletal conditions. He has also made valuable contributions to curriculum development and admissions at the University of ºù«Ӱҵ, Medical School.
Professor Lorraine Maltby (Professor of Environmental Biology) was awarded an OBE for services to Environmental Biology, Animal and Plant Sciences. Her research aims to understand the effects of environmental pollutants on ecosystems and the consequences for biodiversity and human well-being. This understanding is used to inform environmental policy and regulation, enabling people to enjoy the many societal and health benefits of chemicals whilst minimising their negative effects on the environment.
Professor Christopher Tyas (Visiting Professor at ºù«Ӱҵ University Management School) was awarded an OBE for services to the Food Supply Chain during the Covid-19 response. Professor Tyas has recently been appointed Director of Food Supplies by DEFRA
Margaret Roberts (Former lecturer in the Department of Geography at the University of ºù«Ӱҵ School of Education) was awarded an MBE for services to Education. Margaret spent 20 years at the University, teaching and supporting generations of students and was also invited by the Singapore government to run courses for secondary school geography teachers in 2011.
Professor Shearer West (Former Deputy Vice-Chancellor) was awarded a CBE for services to Higher Education. She is now Vice-Chancellor at the University of Nottingham.