Two members of staff from the University have been recognised in the Queen’s New Year Honours List.
Cyrus Cooper, Professor of Rheumatology and Director of the Medical Research Council Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, has been awarded an OBE for services to medical research, and Colin Miles, a Facilities Manager within Physical Sciences and Engineering, has been awarded a British Empire Medal for services to higher education.
Professor Cooper leads research into the epidemiology of musculoskeletal disorders, most notably osteoporosis. His key research contributions have been the discovery of the developmental influences that contribute to the risk of osteoporosis and that maternal vitamin D insufficiency is associated with sub-optimal bone mineral accrual in childhood.
Professor Cooper comments: “I’m surprised and delighted to be recognised with this very special honour. I am fortunate to have been involved in working on the causes and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, a major cause of ill health and disability. Throughout my career I have been privileged to work with outstanding colleagues in both academia and the clinical setting, who are very much part of this achievement.
Colin Miles has devoted over 35 years to the University as Facilities Manager within Physics and Astronomy at the University. He provides technical support for teaching and research requirements in the University’s state-of-the-art research labs, and manages technical staff across various disciplines, such as mechanical and electronic workshops, teaching labs, procurement and research group technicians. Colin’s duties also include being the buildings manager and safety officer.
Colin comments: “I am delighted to be recognised with this honour, it came as a great surprise. When I moved to Southampton from the University of Oxford in 1978 it was with a great deal of trepidation, but with the support of the staff within Physics and Astronomy, and the University in general, it has been a wonderful career.