Oxford skyline
Oxford skyline

Credit: OUI/Greg Smolonski

Oxford academics recognised in Queen’s Birthday Honours

The pioneering work of members of the University has been recognised in The Queen's Birthday Honours List.

Professor Angela Ruth McLean, FRS, Professor of Mathematical Biology at the University of Oxford, is appointed DBE for services to mathematical biology and to scientific advice for government.

She said: "I am delighted to receive this honour and to see the two topics of mathematical biology and the use of science in government recognised in this way."

Dr The Reverend Ralph Waller, who has been Principal of Harris Manchester College and Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University of Oxford, is knighted for services to education.

He said: "'It was a real surprise to be honoured in this way, as the privilege of being the Head of Harris Manchester College for 30 years has been a reward in itself.

"The whole College community has worked together, with the University's support and encouragement, to provide the best possible education for older students, often from disadvantaged backgrounds."

Professor Steven Charles Cowley, FRS, FREng, President of Corpus Christi College, is knighted for services to science and to the development of nuclear fusion. 

He said: "I am personally delighted and humbled. I have been privileged to work with many extraordinary people in fusion research. This honour reflects the huge importance of our collective work developing new, clean forms of energy production."

Dr Hilary Frances Emery, Honorary Norham Fellow at the University of Oxford, is appointed CBE for services to children and young people.

Professor Sarah Harper, Director of the Oxford Institute of Population Ageing at the University of Oxford, is appointed CBE for services to the science of demography.

She said: "I am honoured that the work on population ageing which I and colleagues have undertaken here at Oxford over the last 20 years has received such recognition, and it is immensely rewarding to have our research and the impact it is able to have on policy and practice thus recognised."

Sir Tim Hitchens, President of Wolfson College, is appointed KCVO for distinguished personal service to the Queen. Prior to joining Wolfson College this year, he had roles including Chief Executive of the Commonwealth Summit Unit and British Ambassador to Tokyo.

He said: "I’m really delighted. It’s a lovely way to cap 35 years working in the public service and working for The Queen. And a nice recognition of the work done in one phase of my life, as I start work in this new phase at Wolfson College."

Professor Jane Alison Langdale, FRS, Professorial Research Fellow at the Department of Plant Sciences and The Queen’s College, is appointed CBE for services to plant science.

Professor Katherine Jane Willis, Professor of Biodiversity at the University of Oxford, is appointed CBE for services to biodiversity and conservation.

She said: "It is a huge surprise to be recognised in this way and I feel honoured and privileged - in particular for doing something I feel so passionately about.

"However, it is not just a recognition of my own achievements but of the many scientists and colleagues I have been lucky enough to work with at Oxford and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew."

Professor Melinda Mills, Nuffield Professor of Sociology at the Department of Sociology and Fellow of Nuffield College, is appointed MBE for services to social science.