Huge congratulations to alumnus and Regius Professor of Medicine at the University of Oxford Professor Sir John Irving Bell (1975) who has been appointed a Companion of Honour in the King’s Birthday Honours list for his work in medicine and life sciences.
The citation highlights Sir John’s transformation of the University’s research and innovation ecosystem which has enabled much investment in research programmes, equipment, major building projects, and land purchases. The development of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine wouldn’t have been possible without his commitment and vision to build vaccine research in Oxford over the last three decades.
“I was delighted to hear that I had been recognised with a King’s Honour for the work I have done in medicine and life sciences,” said Sir John. “It reflects the efforts of the very large number of people across the sector who have made this one of the UK’s strongest disciplines.”
“It reflects the efforts of the very large number of people across the sector who have made this one of the UK’s strongest disciplines.”
The citation praises Sir John’s dedication to communicating key scientific ideas and translating them into practical applications. It goes on to say that he is greatly admired across the world as an energetic force in academia, philanthropy, industry, and Whitehall.
The impact of his work was perhaps most evident during the pandemic, where Sir John’s dedication to understanding emerging immunology and developing national testing programs was instrumental in assisting the UK’s efforts in creating and distributing new vaccines to combat Covid-19.
