Chemistry Professor, Gill Reid receives CBE in New Year’s Honours

Professor of Chemistry, Gill Reid received a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), for services to Chemical Sciences and Inclusion and Diversity in the King’s New Year Honours List 2025, recognising her extraordinary achievements.

Gill Reid became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC) in 2012, served as an Elected Member of RSC Council (2011-15) and was elected to Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (FRSE) in 2022. She became President-Elect of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) in July 2020, prior to taking up the role of RSC President from 2022-2024.

Professor Reid said: “It really is one of my proudest moments to be recognised in this way. That the citation refers to both the Chemical Sciences and Inclusion and Diversity, is significant to me. I firmly believe that we must strive to create a truly inclusive chemistry community that welcomes diversity and inspires young talent to follow careers in chemistry.

More than ever, bringing together different talents and experiences is essential to tackle the climate, sustainability and biodiversity challenges that the world faces.

I would really like to thank my colleagues, collaborators, students and friends from across the chemistry community for all their contributions over the years and also for making what we do a lot of fun!”

Professor Michael Butler, Dean of the Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering, added:

“I am thrilled that Professor Reid’s work in Chemistry and in diversity and inclusion have been recognised with this award; since joining Southampton in 1991 she has delivered world-class teaching and research, as well as excellent leadership, and her CBE is richly deserved.”