The King’s New Year Honours 2026 have been announced, recognising service and achievement across the UK, including members of the University of Oxford.
Professor Irene Tracey, CBE FRS FMedSci, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, said: 'My warmest congratulations to all Oxford colleagues recognised in the New Year Honours. Their achievements embody the finest traditions of our University: rigorous scholarship, world-leading research, and a deep commitment to excellence and public service.'
Professor Tamsin Mather OBE
Professor Tamsin Mather FRS has been appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to volcanology and to the promotion of science.
Professor Mather’s work brings together expertise in volcanology and magmatism, atmospheric chemistry, and palaeoclimatology and stratigraphy. This combination allows her to tackle problems ranging from acute volcanic hazards and air pollution events in the present day to the role of volcanism in the long-term evolution of our planet’s environment over its geological history. Her work also extends to the role of volcanism on other planetary bodies in our solar system and beyond.
Professor Mather has participated in numerous science festivals, television and radio programmes, and has collaborated on several children’s books. Her debut trade book, Adventures in Volcanoland, was published in 2024.
She said: 'I am very honoured to receive this recognition for my scientific work. I have been hugely privileged to work with some incredible colleagues throughout my career and across many disciplines and sectors. I am delighted to be able to use this opportunity to extend heartfelt thanks to them all and celebrate the important work they do.'
Professor Gideon Henderson CBE
Professor Gideon Mark Henderson FRS, Professor of Earth Sciences at the University of Oxford and former Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, has been appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to science.
He said: 'I’m delighted to receive this honour both at a personal level and because it recognises the critical importance of scientific evidence in setting national policy for climate, biodiversity and our stewardship of the environment.'
Professors Mather and Henderson join Lord Hague, Nigel Clifford, and Professor Nicholas Day among Oxford colleagues recognised in the 2026 New Year Honours.