As Christmas turns to the New Year, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of people across the UK in the annual New Year Honours, which are 'presented' every year on New Year's Day in the name of the reigning monarch.

The honours system recognises people who have either made achievements in public life or committed themselves to serving and helping the UK. This year we are delighted to share the recipients with a connection to the university, with both alumni and staff being recognised.

The university's Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange, Professor Tom Rodden, who previously Chief Scientific Advisor at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, has been awarded a CBE in recognition for services to Science, Technology and Academia.

Throughout his career Professor Rodden has championed a human-centred approach to computing by drawing upon a range of disciplines to understand and tackle the technical, human and societal challenges emerging from people’s interaction with digital technologies and the use of personal data.

It is a huge honour to be awarded a CBE in the New Year Honours List. I have been very lucky to work with brilliant colleagues who have achieved amazing things and provided me with fantastic insight and support. As a computer scientist I have always been passionate about finding ways to resolve the challenges rapidly emerging technologies present in society.
Professor Tom Rodden

Also recognised from the university's staff in the New Year Honours was Professor Linda Field, Honorary Professor, who was awarded a CBE for services to protecting crops and to the environment.

Elsewhere, we are delighted to share the 10 alumni who have also been recognised:

  • Sir Andrew Cooke (Politics, 1985) − for services to policing and public service.

  • Dr Alan Belfield OBE (Mathematics with Engineering, 1977) − for services to business.

  • Luke Robert Black MBE (French and Politics, 2015) - for services to politics.

 

  • Professor Ivan Browne OBE (Public Health, 1998) − for services to public health.

 

  • Richard Bruce CBE (Industrial Economics, 1989) − for services to decarbonising transport.

  • Alan Kurtz BEM (Pharmacy, 1961) − for services to community pharmacy.

  • Lynette Leith OBE (Education Leadership and Management, 2022) − for services to further education.

  • Dr David Nunn BEM (History, 2009) − for voluntary services to the Great War Memorial.

  • James Scroggs MBE (English Studies and Philosophy, 1993) − for services to male mental health and to the prevention of suicide.

  • Sharon Smyth CBE (Public Procurment Law and Policy, 2011) − for services to procurement.

  • Sophie Unwin MBE (Classical Civilisation, 2015) − for services to cycling.

 If you recognised too, please do let the team know! Congratulations to all.