Four former presidents of the Royal Astronomical Society, including one individual, were recognized in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

Four former presidents of the Royal Astronomical Society, including one individual, were recognized in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

In a celebration of outstanding achievements in science, education, and public engagement, several distinguished individuals were honoured in this year's King's Birthday Honours. The recipients, who span diverse scientific disciplines, have made significant contributions to their respective fields and are strong advocates for science and education.

Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, an Australian Academy of Science Fellow, was recognised for his groundbreaking discovery of the molecular mechanism behind coral bleaching and his demonstration of ecosystem sensitivity to atmospheric carbon increases. His work has been instrumental in raising awareness about the impact of climate change on marine life.

Professor Mark Howden, another honouree, was praised for his influence on global climate science, policy, and public engagement over more than three decades. His work encompasses climate change, adaptation, and emission reduction, making him a key figure in the fight against climate change.

Professor Len Lindoy, known for his work with ring-shaped molecules discriminating metal ions, was honoured for his applications in industry for selective metal ion recovery or removal. His work has had a significant impact on various industries, particularly in the field of chemistry.

Professor Igor Bray was recognised for his breakthroughs in atomic and molecular collision physics, particularly for developing the convergent close-coupling theory, allowing for precise collision calculations. His work has advanced our understanding of these complex processes.

Dr. Sue Horne, the former head of Space Exploration at the UK Space Agency, was made an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her exceptional contributions to space exploration, Mars science, and advocacy for women in STEM fields. Her efforts to support women researchers and nurture space science talent have been instrumental in promoting gender diversity in these fields.

Professor Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, a former president of the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS), has been appointed a Companion of Honour (CH) for her services to astronomy and physics, as well as to diversity. She made the first-ever detection of a pulsar in 1967 while a radio astronomy graduate student at Cambridge, a discovery that opened up a new area of physics and astronomy.

Professor Dame Bell Burnell served as president of the RAS from 2002 to 2004 and has been a leading advocate for inclusivity in science throughout her career. Her appointment as a Companion of Honour, a special distinction limited to a total of 65 people at any one time, is a testament to her enduring impact on science and society.

Professor Raman Prinja, a Fellow of the RAS, has been made a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to academia and to education. His contributions to these fields have been invaluable.

Professor Lyndsay Fletcher, a Fellow of the RAS, has also been made an MBE in this year's King's Birthday Honours. She served on the Council of the RAS from 2006 to 2009 and then as the geophysical and senior secretaries for the RAS from 2011 to 2022. Her dedication to the society and her field is evident in her long-standing service.

Professor Mike Lockwood, President of the Royal Astronomical Society, congratulated all those honoured in the King's Birthday Honours, stating that the excellence of their work has been rewarded and that it is a recognition of the inspiration they bring to younger scientists.

Other members of this year's King's Birthday Honours include Sir David Attenborough, Dame Judi Dench, and Sir Elton John, reflecting the breadth of achievements recognised in this year's honours. The honours not only celebrate individual achievements but also the collective impact of these individuals on their respective fields and society as a whole.

Science and technology were integral to the achievements recognised in this year's King's Birthday Honours. For instance, Professor Igor Bray's breakthroughs in atomic and molecular collision physics, particularly the development of the convergent close-coupling theory, have advanced our understanding of complex processes, a significant contribution to the field of technology. Meanwhile, Dr. Sue Horne, a pioneer in space exploration and Mars science, has used technology to explore the universe and advocate for women in STEM fields.

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