Two professors from the University of Oxford have received the highest recognition in the New Year Honours list.
Professor Neil Mortensen, who served as president of the Royal College of Surgeons of England from 2020 to 2023, has received a knighthood for services to surgery and in recognition of his contribution during the Covid pandemic.
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He is Emeritus Professor of colorectal surgery at the University of Oxford Medical School and has been on the staff of Oxford University Hospitals since 1987, where he is now honorary consultant colorectal surgeon.
Professor Stevens is fellow of eight UK societies, including the Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering.
In 2019, she was elected foreign member of the National Academy of Engineering.
Responding to the news of Professor Mortensen’s honour, Tim Mitchell, existing president of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, said: “Everyone at the college is absolutely delighted that Neil’s achievements have been recognised in the King’s New Year’s Honours.
“During his presidency, he helped navigate the challenges of the Covid pandemic, having initially started his term fully remotely.
“He worked closely with the NHS to tackle the elective surgery backlog and promoted the concept of surgical hubs.
“I congratulate Professor Sir Neil and the many other medical leaders who have been recognised in today’s honours.”
A further six University of Oxford academics and one volunteer received honours for a range of services.
Professor Roger Goodman, Nissan professor of modern Japanese studies and warden of St. Antony’s College, received a CBE for services to social science, while Professor Elizabeth Robertson, professor of developmental biology was made a CBE for services to medical sciences.
One professor, Daniela Bortoletto, head of particle physics at the university, received an OBE for services to particle physics and to gender equality.
Emeritus fellow professor David Heath-Brown received his OBE for services to mathematics and mathematical research and Professor Julia Yeomans, professor of physics and head, Rudolf Peierls Centre, was made an OBE for services to physics.
An MBE was also awarded to Professor Matthew Snape, a former professor in paediatrics and vaccinology at the Oxford Vaccine Group, for services to public health, particularly during Covid-19.
And Dorothy Margaret Whittington, a volunteer with Oxford University Newcomers was made a medallist of the order of the British Empire (BEM) for services to volunteering and higher education.
"Their outstanding achievements and service of people across the UK and the world continue to be a source of pride and inspiration for us all."
Dr Alison Hill, chair of Oxford-based cycle campaign group Cyclox also received an MBE for services to cycling.
Formerly chair of the Bikeability Trust, Dr Hill found out she would be included in the honours list the day after she came out of hospital, having suffered a crushed pelvis, broken foot and severe cuts following a crash with a coach.
She said: “I was very touched and moved to be on the list. I feel very proud to be able to contribute to young children learning to cycle across England.
“I’m also very gratified and happy that we made a lot of achievements over the time I was chair of the Bikeability Trust.
"Five million children learned how to ride their bikes between 2017 and now, thanks to the trust.
“The other aspect is of course Cyclox, and I’m proud to be part of an organisation that’s getting more people into cycling throughout Oxford.”
Dr Hill said her husband saw her opening the letter from the cabinet office informing her of her award, so she did not keep it a secret from him.
But she did not tell anyone else.
Dedicated on-call firefighter Charlotte Stacey, from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, has also been awarded a BEM for services to the community in the county.
Cabinet member for public health, inequalities and community safety Dr Nathan Ley said: “We are thrilled that Charlotte’s dedication to her community and to Oxfordshire has been recognised.
“The work of Charlotte and her fellow on-call firefighters makes a huge difference to the lives of so many people in our country, and we are all incredibly grateful to them for their commitment and community spirit.
“In this instance we’re especially proud of Charlotte.”
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This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.
Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.
Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk
Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1
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