Birthday honours for Professor Ian White, Paul Fannon and Chris Boardman
The recent King’s Birthday Honours have recognised former Master and Fellow Professor Ian White (1977), Bye-Fellow Paul Fannon and Visiting Fellow Chris Boardman.
The King's Birthday Honours mark the extraordinary contributions and service of people across the United Kingdom.
Professor Ian White
Professor Ian White, College Fellow and former Master of Jesus College (2011-2019) was awarded a CBE in recognition of his services to Higher Education and to Engineering. Professor White is Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bath, where he has overseen a period of success across research and education, with the University significantly increasing its research income and being awarded triple Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework 2023, as well as rising in many university rankings both in the UK and worldwide.
Responding to the announcement, Professor White said: “I feel deeply fortunate to be recognised in this way and it means so much. As Vice-Chancellor, one is a member of a wider University community, and this honour, for me, recognises the achievement of the very special community at the University of Bath and its delivery of our mission along with those who importantly partner with us locally and further afield.
“This award also reflects the exceptional work of colleagues, students and partners throughout my time at the Universities of Cambridge and Bristol as well as Bath, and of my many colleagues across Engineering. I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude to them.”
Paul Fannon
College Bye-Fellow and Director of Studies in Mathematics Paul Fannon was awarded an OBE for services to Education.
Paul Fannon helped to develop the new A-level mathematics curriculum contributed to several textbooks for the new course. He is currently Chief Examiner for the International Baccalaureate where he helped develop their new Applications and Interpretations Mathematics course. Paul has been a Fellow of the Institute for Mathematics and its Applications since 2020 as well as taking on various roles across the University regarding outreach and widening participation.
Paul said: "Like many amongst the fellowship, it is an immense privilege to be working with the brightest young minds and to guide them to fulfil their potential. I hope that this recognition will enable me to go even further in helping young talent from all backgrounds feel welcome and supported at Cambridge."
Chris Boardman
Visiting Fellow Chris Boardman was awarded a CBE, recognising his work promoting active travel.
Chris Boardman is one of Britain’s most successful racing cyclists. Between 1992 and 2000 he attended and medalled at major Games winning Gold in Barcelona in 1992. He also wore the leaders’ yellow jersey at the Tour de France on three separate occasions, took three world titles and broke several world records.
Since retirement from professional cycling, Chris has served in various roles with British Cycling helping set up and lead the Research and Development branch for the British Olympic Cycling team that went on to scoop 14 medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and become the most successful of all time. He is currently Commissioner of Active Travel England which aims to ensure 50 per cent of journeys in towns and cities are walked or cycled by 2030.
Chris said: "It’s been an easy cause to champion, especially as I know most parents would love transport independence for their kids too. And if they have it, we all do."
