Two leading academic researchers and a former Pro-Chancellor at the University of Leeds are recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
“What unites them is their strong belief in advancing research and knowledge to benefit the public and the wider community.” PROFESSOR SIMONE BUITENDIJK, VICE-CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS
Cath Noakes, Professor of Environmental Engineering for Buildings, has been given an OBE for “services to the COVID-19 response”. Professor Sheena Radford, the Director of the Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, has also been honoured with an OBE, for her research at the frontiers of molecular biology.
Dr Linda Pollard, who was Pro-Chancellor from 2007 for six years and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Laws by the University, has been made a Dame. Dr Pollard is the chair of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and the Leeds Innovation District Partnership, an alliance between the University, the trust and Leeds City Council to foster a culture of research and innovation across the city.
Professor Cath Noakes
Professor Noakes is one of a number of people recognised for their work in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. She is a member of SAGE, the Government’s scientific advisory group on emergencies, and convenes its environmental modelling working group.
Professor Noakes said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been given an OBE. Without a doubt, the last few months have been extremely hectic. I am amazed at the amount of knowledge that we have been able to develop about a new pathogen. It demonstrates the power of scientific collaboration – and the role that engineers play in keeping people safe.
“I also want this award to demonstrate to young people – and particularly young women who are under- represented in the profession – that engineering is a deeply rewarding profession.”
Professor Noakes’ research team at Leeds has developed models to simulate the spread of pathogens inside buildings and other enclosed spaces, how surfaces can become contaminated, and the role of ventilation, air-filtration and disinfection systems in reducing those risks.
Professor Sheena Radford
Professor Radford is honoured for her “services to molecular biology”.
As director of the Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, Professor Radford has led a large group of researchers investigating the complex molecular basis of life. Research in the Centre is fundamental to the big challenges facing society, including understanding the diseases associated with ageing, improving cancer therapies and tackling antimicrobial resistance.
Professor Radford said: “I am thrilled to be named in the Honours List. Although I may be the recipient of the honour, it reflects the hard work and dedication of all of the researchers in my team and in the Astbury Centre.
“We are bringing people together from the different branches of science to work on some of the big, unsolved problems in science. The progress we are making is only possible because of the team spirit and culture of collaboration that makes coming to work each day a joy.”
Dr Linda Pollard
Dr Pollard has been honoured for her “services to healthcare and the community”. As Pro-Chancellor at the University, her role was to ensure the smooth-running of the University Council – the University’s governing body. More recently, she has been involved in a major overhaul of healthcare in Leeds including the development of two new hospitals that will advance the NHS’s research work.
She said: “I am absolutely convinced about the benefits that research and innovation will bring to the city and the wider region. That’s why I have tried to play my part in encouraging, supporting and leading collaboration between key institutions in the city, including the NHS, the University of Leeds, and Leeds City Council. We have so much to gain from the cutting edge joint research and innovation programmes we are driving, as well as the backing we attract from commercial investors and research companies.
“I passionately believe that working together in this way will result in great jobs for local people, with the wider economic impact this has, and the reduction of inequalities in Leeds and across West Yorkshire.”
Dr Pollard also led the launch of the Leeds Female Leaders Network to nuture female middle managers and executives from healthcare and academia.
Professor Simone Buitendijk, Vice-Chancellor of the University, said: “It is fantastic news that three of our colleagues have been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. What unites them is their strong belief in advancing research and knowledge to benefit the public and the wider community.
“The honours represent a considerable personal achievement to each of the recipients but they are also a reflection on the strengths and ethos of the University and the vision for the city of Leeds to be seen as a place of research and teaching excellence.”
Source: University of Leeds
