Emeritus Fellow and alumni recognised by the New Year honours list

The contributions of St Catharine’s Emeritus Fellow Professor John Pickard (1964, Medical Sciences) and alumni Andrew McKeon (1973, History) and James Lambert (1975, History of Art) have been recognised by the New Year honours list, alongside the achievements and service of individuals from all walks of life.

“I am sure our students, Fellows and alumni will join me in heartily congratulating Professor Pickard, Andrew McKeon and James Lambert on their well-deserved New Year honours,” commented Professor Sir Mark Welland, Master of St Catharine’s College. “Their many years of service and leadership have undoubtedly benefited wider society – from improving the care of patients to helping pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds achieve their ambitions.”

Along with the Birthday honours, the New Year honours list is the most significant announcement of civilian and military gallantry awards in the UK.

About those honoured

• Professor John Pickard, an Emeritus Fellow since 2013, received the Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to neurosciences, neurosurgery and research for patients with complex neurological disorders. The award recognises the enduring contribution Professor Pickard has made to advancing the care of patients. For example, under his leadership as the first Chairman and Clinical Director of the Wolfson Brain Imaging Centre, which pioneered the application of state of the art imaging in a critical care setting, a landmark discovery revealed that functional neuroimaging could be used to detect awareness in some patients who otherwise appeared to be in a vegetative state.

• Andrew McKeon received a CBE in recognition of his services to healthcare. He has been chair of the Nuffield Trust since July 2016, having previously served as a non-executive member of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence; Deputy Chief Executive of Barts and the London NHS Trust; Head of Primary Care at the Department of Health and as managing director for health at the Audit Commission.

• James Lambert received the Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to social mobility in education, lately as Chair (2008–2018) and Trustee of IntoUniversity. IntoUniversity provides local learning centres where young people are supported to attain either a university place or another chosen aspiration. James had a significant impact on the charity’s growth from a single community centre to a sector-leading organisation with 30 centres in 12 towns and cities across the UK.