Professors Sally Davies and Lesley Regan recognised in New Year's Honours

Leading figures in science and healthcare have been recognised in the UK's New Year's Honours list 2020.

Professor Dame Sally Davies received Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath (GCB) for services to public health and research, having previously been made a Dame in 2009. Dame Sally was Chief Medical Officer for England from 2010-2019. Her initiatives included the 'Generation Genome' report (see BioNews 908) which recommended widespread adoption of genomic medicine within the NHS, as well as ongoing efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance.

'I am honoured to receive this GCB recognising the efforts of many people across Government, the NHS and beyond, working together on issues ranging through health research and public health to fighting the rise of antimicrobial resistance both in the UK and across the world. We will continue to build coalitions for action as this war to save lives is not over' she said.

Professor Lesley Regan who stepped down as President, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) in December, was made a Dame 'for services to women's healthcare'. 

'I am delighted and honoured to be recognised in the New Year Honours. The progress we have made in women's health at the RCOG is only possible because of the hard work and commitment of the wonderful staff and our wider membership. We have much work to do to achieve the aims set out in the Better for Women report and I look forward to supporting the RCOG and its many key partners to transform healthcare services for women and girls.'

Other honours included a knighthood for Genomics England's former chair, Jonathan Symonds for services to UK life sciences and finance. 

Professor Alan Lehmann, Research Professor of Molecular Genetics, University of Sussex received a CBE for services to medical science, patients and families affected by the genetic conditions xeroderma pigmentosum and Cockayne syndrome.

OBEs were awarded to Professor Sheila McLean, the University of Glasgow's Professor Emerita of Law and Ethics in Medicine for services to health and education and to former director of the Academy of Medical Sciences Dr Helen Munn for services to the advancement of medical science.

Nicola Perrin, former head of the Wellcome Trust's Understanding Patient Data programme received an MBE for services to science.