Psychologists awarded New Year Honours

Three BPS members have received awards in the New Year Honours list, which marks the incredible public service of individuals from across the UK.

Professor Margaret (Greta) Anne Defeyter, professor of developmental psychology and director of the Healthy Living Lab, Northumbria University, has been awarded an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) for services to education.

Professor Defeyter, a Fellow of the BPS, said: 

"I was absolutely astounded upon receiving the news that I was to receive an OBE for services to education. To be honest, the news is still sinking in, and it probably won't seem real until my investiture later this year.

"I am extremely thankful for this recognition but there is no time to pause. The devastating effects of child poverty remain a reality for many in the UK and we need to work collectively, across multiple sectors and government departments, to eradicate child poverty."

Professor Ketevan (Kate) Tchanturia, professor of psychology in eating disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London and consultant psychologist, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, has been awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for services to people with eating disorders and autism.

Professor Tchanturia, a Fellow of the BPS, said:

"It is both a delight and an honour to be recognised in the King's New Year Honours List. I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks to the community I have served, my colleagues, students, the large research and clinical teams, and my family for all their support over the years. 

"I am also deeply grateful to the nominators who took the time to put me forward. Although I do not know their names, I am incredibly thankful for their kindness. 

"I look forward to continuing to work hard and collaborate with great people. I have been blessed with fantastic opportunities since moving to the UK 28 years ago, and I hope to make further contributions to both academic and clinical psychology."

Associate BPS Fellow Carol Anne Watterson, lately lead educational psychologist, Darlington Borough Council, has been awarded an MBE for services to children and young people with special educational needs.

Congratulations from everyone at the BPS to all our members who have received awards.

Recipients in the New Year Honours List have been awarded for their outstanding contributions across all parts of the UK for their work in areas including education, healthcare and children's social care.

Award-winning actor, writer and mental health advocate Stephen Fry, who supported the campaign to protect NHS staff mental health and wellbeing hubs, has been awarded a knighthood for services to mental health awareness, the environment and to charity

He recorded a video for the BPS , which led the campaign in calling on the government to commit to at least one year's transitional funding for the hubs, in which he warned that the closure of the hubs could have a 'possibly disastrous effect' on the health service.