Professor Ashley Moffett and Ruth Bender Atik recognised in New Year Honours

Ashley Moffett, professor of reproductive immunology, and Ruth Bender Atik, former national director of the Miscarriage Association, were both recognised in the King's New Year Honours list.

Professor Moffett was awarded a CMG, Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George, for services to women's reproductive health and to clinical research and practice. She is emeritus professor of reproductive immunology at the University of Cambridge and a leading authority on the immunology of human reproduction. Professor Moffett's research found that early pregnancy conditions, including pre-eclampsia, originate from interactions between 'natural killer' (NK) cells in the decidua (the part of the uterus where the embryo implants) and cells in the placenta. Her studies explain the underlying reasons for high rates of maternal mortality and pre-eclampsia in Uganda.

Professor Moffett said, 'I am delighted by this honour that is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of my many colleagues both here in Cambridge and in Uganda who are working together so tirelessly to support women in the field of maternal health.'

Professor Moffett has taught and trained medical students both in the UK and East Africa, and in March 2024 she was awarded an honorary doctorate at the Karolinska Institutet for a lifetime of research. She has previously written for BioNews on the use of immune 'add ons' in assisted reproduction (see BioNews 1128) and spoken at an event organised by PET, the charity which publishes BioNews, on minimising risk in fertility treatment (see BioNews 1132)

Ruth Bender Atik was also recognised in the New Year Honours list. Bender Atik was awarded an OBE for services to the baby loss community, and bereavement care. Bender Atik served as national director of the Miscarriage Association for 31 years, before retiring in March 2024. The charity provides information and support for people in the UK experiencing pregnancy loss before 24-weeks.

'Ruth devoted her career to improving care and support for the hundreds of thousands of people experiencing the heartbreak of pregnancy loss every year,' said Amy Braier, miscarriage association chair of trustees. '...she campaigned tirelessly for better information, improvements in care and to raise public awareness of pregnancy loss – ensuring its impact is more widely understood and acknowledged.'

At a 2023 event organised by PET, Bender Atik gave a talk about the importance of supporting fertility patients through pregnancy loss (see BioNews 1179, 1180 and 1223).

'This is a truly special and completely unexpected honour,' Bender Atik said. 'I greatly appreciate the recognition of my time at the Miscarriage Association and too, the opportunity to highlight the importance of good care, support and information for those affected by pregnancy and baby loss.'

Miscarriage will be discussed in the context of fertility treatment at the free-to-attend online event IVF and Miscarriage: Reducing Risks, Providing Support, taking place online on Wednesday 21 May 2025.

Find out more and register here.