Gonville & Caius College alumna Dr Emily Lawson (Natural Sciences 1986) was made a Dame in the New Year Honours List for leading the NHS Covid vaccination programme.

Dr Lawson led the NHS operation delivering the world's first Covid vaccination outside of a clinical trial. Since then, NHS staff and volunteers have delivered more than 111 million doses to 43 million people, reducing hospitalisations.

She said: “I am honoured and delighted to be recognised on behalf of the army of dedicated and hardworking staff and volunteers who have delivered the biggest and most successful vaccination programme in health service history."

The molecular geneticist ran the first phase of the NHS vaccine programme before being seconded to Downing Street as head of the Prime Minister’s delivery unit. She has returned temporarily to lead the booster campaign.

A former Caius Science Society President (1988-89), Dr Lawson is part of the Steering Committee of the 30% Club, which aims to increase representation of women on UK plc boards, and to research and support greater diversity in the UK and global institutions.