Five Cambridge academics and alumni have been recognised in the King’s 2026 New Year’s Honours List. Fellows, associates, and former students of the University have been rewarded for contributions ranging across the arts and sciences.

Dr. Suzy Lishman, an honourary fellow of Girton College and a Girton alumna, has been awarded a damehood for her services to the medical examiner system and to patient safety.

“It was very difficult not telling my family, but they’re thrilled now,” said Lishman while discussing her damehood. “I’m so pleased that my work on medical examiners and patient safety has been recognised”.

Meera Syal, an honourary fellow at Murray Edwards College, comedian, and writer, was also awarded damehood this year for her contributions to literature, drama, and charity. In March, Syal was awarded her honourary fellowship for her contributions to the arts, and for championing diversity and equality.

Murray Edwards congratulated Syal on her award. “We continue to be inspired by the profound impact Meera has made on the landscape of British film and television, as well as our college community,” stated the college on their website.

Associate fellow of Homerton College and senior associate at the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, Craig Bennet, has also been recognized on this year’s list. The policy fellow at the Centre for Science and Policy was awarded an OBE for his services to the environment.

Professor Michael Nicholson, a fellow and director of studies at St Catherine’s College, has been given an OBE for his contributions to kidney transplantation. Nicholson is currently Cambridge University’s professor of transplant surgery and a Consultant Surgeon at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.

Discussing his award, Nicholson stated: “I am delighted to receive an OBE … transplantation is very much a team effort, and this honour reflects the dedication and hard work of the many outstanding people that I am fortunate to work with in both academia and the NHS.”

Dr. Alya Humphrey, an associate at Clare Hall, professor of psychiatry, and the course director for the MPhil programme Foundations of Clinical Psychology, has received an MBE for her clinical work in the NHS for youth with acquired brain injury.

Alongside current faculty, this year’s Honours List also features many notable Cambridge alums. Former Christ’s student and current vice-chancellor of the University of Leicester, Professor Cedric Nishan Canagarajah, was awarded a knighthood. Canagarajah completed his undergraduate and doctoral degrees at Christ’s College in 1989 and 1993 respectively.

“As a boy from a once war-torn land to being recognised by royalty is quite a remarkable journey. It is because of the transformative power of education and the opportunities it presents that this has been possible,” stated Canagarajah on his knighthood.

Another former Cambridge student to gain a knighthood is Dr. Tristram Hunt, the current director of the Victorian and Albert Museum Trust. Hunt received a first-class undergraduate degree in History at Trinity College in 1995, and completed his PhD in Victorian History at King’s College in 2000.

The chair of the Health Services Safety Investigations Body and former Trinity postgrad, Dr. Edward Baker, has been awarded an CBE for his services to healthcare. Baker completed his Medical Doctorate in 1979

Additionally, professor Stephen Belcher, the chief scientist at the Met Office and former Cambridge PhD student, has received a CBE for his contributions to climate science. Belcher completed his doctorate in 1990.