UCLH trial of world-first treatment for Alzheimer’s disease progresses into larger trial
17 April 2024
Publish date: 31 December 2021
Congratulations to all our UCLH people who have been recognised in the Queen’s New Year Honours 2022 list.
UCLH chief executive David Probert said: “Many congratulations to all our UCLH people who have been honoured in recognition of their dedication, innovation and outstanding contribution to healthcare.
“The New Year is an opportunity to praise and say a huge thank to all our staff who have worked so hard throughout the pandemic and are currently showing exceptional resilience in the face of enormous challenge. I am so proud and humbled to work alongside such amazing individuals and teams.”
Professor Chris Whitty, who is the chief medical officer for England and a practising infection doctor at UCLH’s Hospital for Tropical Diseases, received a knighthood (KCB) for his services to public health and leadership during COVID-19.
Professor Whitty said: “The entire NHS, wider public health service and scientists have worked tirelessly to serve their patients and the public through this ongoing pandemic. Almost all honours to individuals are really the recognition of extraordinary work by large numbers of people in teams, and mine certainly is. I would just like to thank all UCLH colleagues for the remarkable work they are doing.”
Professor John Hardy, who holds an honorary appointment with UCLH at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, received a knighthood for services to human health in improving understanding of dementia and neurodegenerative diseases. Professor Hardy is Chair of the Molecular Biology of Neurological Disease, UCL.
“It is a great honour to get a knighthood and I’m very proud of the work we did for families with Alzheimer’s disease, supported by my Institute of Neurology colleague, Professor Martin Rossor,” said Professor Hardy.
“We now know much more about what causes Alzheimer’s disease but we also have to acknowledge that our work has not yet led to much better treatments. Hopefully the next period of clinical and basic research will start to make that important breakthrough.”
Consultant paediatrician and adolescent physician Professor Russell Viner was recognised with a CBE for his services to child and adolescent health, particularly during COVID-19. Professor Viner was the president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health from 2018 to 2021 and is professor of Adolescent Health at the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health.
Professor Viner said: “I see this as recognition not just for me but for the teams I’ve worked with closely, particularly during the very hard yards of the pandemic. I’m humbled and deeply appreciative.”
Professor Hugh Montgomery leads research at UCLH’s Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health (ISEH) and professor of intensive care medicine at UCL. He was awarded an OBE for services to intensive care medicine and climate change.
“Honours really don't belong to a person,” said Professor Montgomery. “I am delighted to receive this honour, because it recognises the hard work of all the teams within the NHS that I have been privileged to be a part of. It is to them that this largely belongs.”
Consultant radiographer Dr Nick Woznitza received an MBE for his services to radiography and to the COVID-19 response. This recognised his work looking at radiographer reporting of chest X-rays including those with COVID-19 and as an advisor to the London Nightingale Hospital.
Dr Woznitza said: “My wife told me I had an official-looking letter from the government and I thought it was going to be from HM Revenue & Customs! When I opened the letter I screamed and it still hasn’t really sunk in – I’m delighted.
“When I first came to the UK from Adelaide Australia 15 years ago for an 18 month holiday, I never expected I would be where I am now, but I wouldn’t change it for anything.”
