Alumni recognised in the 2026 King’s New Year Honours

Members of the Cardiff University community have once again been recognised in the King’s New Year Honours.

Alumni and staff have been acknowledged for their outstanding contributions to public life, professional practice and their communities.
The 2026 Honours list celebrates the impact of Cardiff graduates working across sectors including healthcare, education, public service, politics, culture and industry, both in Wales and internationally.

Alumni honoured in 2026

Emeritus and Honorary Professor Dame Meena Upadhyaya OBE was awarded a DBE for services to Community Cohesion in Wales and to Medical Genetics.

Dorothea Hodge (BScEcon 1995, MSc 1998, Hon 2022), founding Director at Aequitas Global was awarded a CBE for Parliamentary and Political Service.

John Pettigrew (BScEcon 1990, MScEcon 1992), former CEO of National Grid was awarded a CBE for services to Energy.

Professor Peter Vaughan CStJ QPM (Hon 2014), Director of the International Centre for Policing and Security at the University of South Wales was awarded a CBE for services to Criminal Justice.

Valerie Birchall (BMus 1989), Assistant Director for Culture, Tourism, and Sport at Hammersmith and Fulham Council was awarded an MBE for services to Public Libraries and to Culture.

College of Optometrist member and former College Council member Lisa Gerson DL, JP (BSc 1983), was awarded an MBE for services to Optometry, Education and Social Cohesion.

Suzanne Griffiths (BScEcon 1986), Director at National Adoption Service for Wales and Foster Wales was awarded an MBE for services to Children's Social Care.

Emeritus Professor Andrew Pithouse (PhD 1984), former Special Policy Adviser to the Welsh Government. was awarded an MBE for services to Social Care Education and Policy.

Eleri Davies (MBBCh 1991), Consultant in Oncoplastic Surgery at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board was awarded an MBE for services to Breast Care.

Dr Timothy Allison (MBBCh 1990), former Director of Public Health, NHS Highland was awarded an MBE for services to the NHS in Scotland.

We are so proud of our Cardiff alumni community and extend a huge congratulations to all those who have been recognised for their dedication and achievements.