Professor Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, the Rector of Brunel University of London, has been appointed Companion of Honour in the King's Birthday Honours List 2025 for services to astronomy and physics and to diversity.
The Companion of Honour, shortened to CH, is a prestigious award recognising outstanding achievements in the arts, sciences, medicine and public service. The members, of which there are only 65 at any one time, include other household names such as Sir David Attenborough, Dame Judi Dench, Sir John Major and Valerie Amos, Baroness Amos.
Professor Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell CH is an astrophysicist celebrated for the scientific discovery, in the late 1960s, of pulsars, which opened up a new area of physics and astronomy.
Together with her subsequent astronomical career, Professor Dame Jocelyn’s achievements led to her being voted most inspirational living female scientist by New Scientist readers. She is a world-leading science communicator and a dedicated advocate for widening participation, including being one of the founders of the Athena Swan initiative, which addresses gender inequality in higher education and research.
She is a Fellow of the Royal Society, was the first woman to be elected President of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and received her Damehood in 2007 for services to astronomy.
Professor Dame Jocelyn was appointed as Brunel's Rector in January 2025. As the ceremonial figurehead of the University, the Rector confers degrees and presents awards, such as at graduation ceremonies. The postholder also has an important ambassadorial role, working alongside other senior figures from Brunel to represent the university externally.
Brunel’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Andrew Jones, commented: “Professor Dame Jocelyn joining the illustrious Order of the Companion of Honour is further recognition of her trailblazing scientific achievements and her dedication to diversity. She is such an inspiration for the Brunel community, and for so many people throughout the UK and the rest of the world.”
The Birthday Honours List also featured a CBE, for services to engineering, for Faith Wainwright, lately a director of Arup and soon to be a member of Council, Brunel's governing body.
Reported by:
Joe Buchanunn,
Media Relations
joe.buchanunn@brunel.ac.uk