The former Cambridge vice-chancellor Leszek Borysiewicz, and Queens’ alumnus Stephen Fry are among members of the University who have been recognised in the New Year’s honours list.

Fry – now Sir Stephen – was made a knight bachelor, the lowest rank of knighthood, for his charity work, including around mental health, and for his work on the environment.

Borysiewicz was made a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire, a more senior dignity, for his charitable and medical work. As chairman of Cancer Research UK from 2016 to 2023, the former vice-chancellor had already been made a knight bachelor by Queen Elizabeth II in 2001 for his pioneering work in vaccines.

In response to his award, Fry said he was “startled and enchanted to receive the letter from the cabinet office.” Fry’s award comes after he spoke out about his struggles with bipolar disorder. He has been president of the charity Mind since 2011, and the vice-president of Cambridge-based charity Fauna and Flora International since 2009.

Ijeoma Uchegbu, president of Wolfson College since October 2024, was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her work in chemical sciences, in particular nanotechnology. She is also known for her services to public engagement in science and as an advocate for diversity and inclusion in STEM. She said she was “absolutely thrilled” to receive the award”.

Olympic gold medallist Imogen Grant has received an MBE for her services to rowing. Grant and her partner Emily Craig won gold in the lightweight women’s double sculls at the Paris Olympics this summer. She is also a three-time Boat Race winner and a junior doctor, having graduated from Trinity College in 2014.

Ashley Moffet and Rachel Oliver also received a CMG and OBE respectively for their scientific work. Moffet is a professor of reproductive immunology at the University, receiving her award for services to reproductive health as well as clinical research and practice in Uganda. She is a fellow of King’s College and an authority on the immunology of human reproduction.

Oliver, a fellow of Robinson College, is a materials engineer, director of the Cambridge Centre for Gallium Nitride, and chief scientific officer of Poro Technologies Ltd. She said she hoped her award would encourage more people to get involved in semiconductors in the British semiconductor industry.

Gilly Carr, professor of conflict archaeology and Holocaust heritage, was also awarded an OBE for services to Holocaust research and education. She said the award “encourages me to continue my work with vigour”.

The Prime Minister praised those on the list, saying: “They represent the very best of the UK and the core value of service which I put at the centre of everything this government does.”