Professor Andrew Pollard appointed Knight Bachelor

St Cross Fellow, and former Vice Master Professor Andrew Pollard has been recognised in The Queen's Birthday Honours List 2021 for services to public health.

Prof Andy Pollard, Director of the Oxford Vaccine Group, and Professor of Paediatric Infection and Immunity is appointed Knight Bachelor for services to public health, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has played a crucial role in the development of the Oxford coronavirus vaccine and led the global clinical trials that started in the spring of 2020.

The honoured Oxford University academics in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2021 include researchers who have played key roles in leading the University’s response to the Coronavirus pandemic, from the development of new vaccines to discovering new drug treatments.

In his first comment, Prof Pollard thanked everyone else:

I am absolutely delighted and uplifted to receive this honour, standing in awe of our amazing international team of talented vaccine researchers and filled with admiration for the dedicated trial volunteers. Together we have built a coronavirus vaccine for the world providing a protective shield fit for a band of knights.

Later, he added on Twitter:

I am so thrilled and filled with admiration for all those who have been in the fight around the world to defend public health; now feeling the weight of responsibility to do more.

Those who have the privilege of knowing Prof Andy Pollard as a friend and colleague will recognise his whole approach to life and work in those comments. It is a joy that he is part of our College community.

Many congratulations on the well-deserved honour, Sir!