Girton College is delighted to congratulate three Girtonians who were recognised in the New Year Honours List 2025. The Mistress, Dr Elisabeth Kendall, said:
"We are always delighted to see Girtonians recognised for their services and contributions to our society and its future. It is particularly gratifying to see such diverse set of achievements honoured this year: from girl-guiding to cyber security!"
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Professor Alison Elliott (1976, Natural Sciences) Head of the Vaccines Research Theme, the Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit. For services to Medicine and Global Health.
Alison’s interest in parasitology and research in Africa was sparked during her undergraduate studies and an elective in The Gambia. She has gone on to become an outstanding figure in global health research. Alison’s research has taken her around the world. She is now based in Uganda where she has works tirelessly to build research collaborations with UK institutions, and helps inspire many young African scientists.
“It is a tremendous privilege to work in Africa, first Zambia and now Uganda, with many wonderful colleagues, team members, communities and friends. I gratefully accept this honour on behalf of them all.”
- Read more on the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine website.
Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Janet Collyer (Kiwana) (1977, Engineering), Chair, Quantum Dice. For services to Quantum Hardware and Cyber Security.
Janet’s pioneering spirit shone through when she joined Girton as one of just six female engineers at Cambridge in her year of 300 engineering students. She continued on her pioneering pathway after graduation undertaking a number of technical and commercial roles in the semiconductor industry in America and Europe. Alongside Janet’s role as Chair at Quantum Dice, she is an Independent Non-Executive Director at the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) and Chair of the Board at Mach42. Janet is also passionate about supporting women in developing their careers in engineering and is active in women networks in industry and academia.
“I am delighted to receive this award not least for the light it shines on semiconductors. They are a key foundation technology that is helping drive up the pace of innovation in sectors like quantum, AI, 6G, automotive, cybersecurity and materials science that in turn enable creation of the increasingly intelligent digitalised systems that are fundamentally changing the way we live. This momentum brings huge opportunities for more and varied high-skilled jobs. I hope this will also encourage more women and diverse people to join the sector.”
- Read more online.
Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)
Rosemary Howell DL (Griffin) (1949, Classics). For services to Girlguiding and to the community in Devon.
Rosemary is a pivotal figure in the girl guiding movement in Devon. She first joined the Girl Guides 85 years ago at the age of 10 and has been involved in the movement ever since. Rosemary’s involvement has included running guide units in a number of locations across Devon, establishing a popular campsite on Dartmoor, acting as County Commissioner for nine years, and writing a book titled Splendid Fun: The Story of One Hundred Years of Devon Girl Guides. Rosemary’s award also recognises her contribution, alongside her husband Brian, to the transformation of the wonderful Lukesland Gardens over the last 50 years.
“I am honoured and amazed to receive this recognition which also reflects the work of so many others both in Girl Guiding, and in the restoration of Lukesland Gardens. I’m also delighted to share this news with Girton, my time at College was filled with fun and the memories and friendships have stayed with me all these years since graduation.”
- Read more online.
We welcome hearing about any news, awards or honours received by Girtonians – please email alumni@girton.cam.ac.uk.