Four members of the University of Birmingham community have been recognised in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours for their outstanding contributions across science, education, and engineering.
Professor Rachel K. O’Reilly, pro-vice-chancellor (research), has been awarded an MBE for services to chemistry. A renowned polymer chemist and Fellow of the Royal Society, Professor O’Reilly has published over 250 papers and leads research in catalysis and nanomaterials.
Professor Rachel K. O’Reilly, via University of Birmingham
Since becoming PVC in 2023, she has helped drive research awards past £250 million and bolstered the university’s international research standing.
Professor Fang Gao, awarded an OBE for services to anaesthesia, is an honorary consultant at the University Hospitals of Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and a leading researcher in critical and perioperative care.
Professor Fang Gao, via University of Birmingham
Her work has influenced national and international clinical guidelines and earned her numerous accolades, including the Dudley Buxton Medal and election to the Academy of Medical Sciences.
Aruna Mistry, former laboratory manager at the Collaborative Teaching Laboratory, received the British Empire Medal for services to education, while Bridget Eickhoff, Honorary Professor of Railway Interface Engineering, was awarded an MBE for services to railway engineering.
Professor Upthegrove, a Professor of psychiatry at the University of Birmingham, and Consultant Psychiatrist in the Birmingham Early Intervention Services, was also recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours.
Her research focuses on developing new treatments for psychoses, including schizophrenia and depression in the early stages of illness, developing the evidence for inflammatory biomarkers and novel targets.
Psychiatrist Professor Rachel Upthegrove, via University of Birmingham
Professor Thompson was also praised, a leading expert in the field of public health nutrition and exercise and their role in preventing and treating risks for obesity.
Professor Janice Thompson BEM, via University of Birmingham
With has over 30 years of experience examining factors that influence diet – and physical activity-related lifestyle choices, Professor Thompson has been able to use her expertise to work in partnership with communities to develop and evaluate culturally tailored lifestyle interventions to reduce risks for obesity and type two diabetes.
Vice-chancellor Professor Adam Tickell praised the honourees: “They are exceptional individuals whose passion for education and research is truly inspiring.”
Featured image via University of Birmingham
