Honorary Fellows recognised in 2025 New Year Honours 

Two British Pharmacological Society (BPS) Honorary Fellows have been recognised with New Year Honours.  

The New Year Honours are awarded annually in the UK, and recognise individuals who have made an extraordinary contribution to society. 

 

Professor Dame Julia Buckingham was awarded a DBE for services to higher education. She is the Chair of the board of the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs), Chair of the board of trustees for the Institute of Cancer Research, and previously served in leadership roles at various universities, including Brunel. She served as President 2004-2005 and has been awarded several prestigious prizes, including the Gaddam Memorial Prize by the Society. 

Dame Julia said: 

‘It is a huge honour and privilege to receive this award.  Our universities are one of the UK’s greatest assets and I am delighted that many colleagues from across the sector were recognised alongside me for their contributions.  A big thank you to all my friends and colleagues at the BPS for all the encouragement and support they have given me throughout my career.’ 



Professor Dame Ijeoma Uchegbu was awarded a DBE for services to the chemical sciences and to inclusion and diversity. She is currently President of Wolfson College, Cambridge, Chief Scientific Officer of Nanomerics Ltd, and Professor of Pharmaceutical Nanoscience at University College London, with an extensive history of drug delivery. 

Dame Ijeoma said: 

“It is almost unbelievable really. I am incredibly grateful and also really proud that our work has been recognised in such a magnificent manner.” 

BPS Chief Executive Rachel Lambert-Forsyth said: 

“I am pleased and proud to see Professor Dame Buckingham and Professor Dame Uchegbu receive this honour. Dame Julia has contributed significantly to the success of the British Pharmacological Society during her tenure as President and serving on our committees and panels over several years; her DBE acknowledges and celebrates this continued commitment to our Society.
 
"Dame Ijeoma and Dame Julia have both committed themselves to work that has advanced not only the pharmacology community, but to the wider sciences and to society as a whole and I am sure the Society will continue to benefit from their wisdom and guidance in the coming years.”