A number of people connected to the University have been named in the prestigious Debrett’s 500, recognising the most influential and inspiring people living and working in Britain today.
Professors Sir David Payne and Dame Wendy Hall were recognised in the Engineering and Technology category, along with visiting professor Liam Maxwell. Professor Sir Tim Berners-Lee was recognised in the list’s Digital category.
Professor Dame Wendy Hall is one of the most respected computer science academics in the UK; last summer she was also named as the most influential woman in UK IT by Computer Weekly. A Professor of Computer Science within Electronics and Computer Science, Dame Wendy is a fellow of the Royal Society and is recognised in the list as “a leading light in the development of web services”.
Director of the Optoelectronics Research Centre, Professor Sir David Payne is described in the Debrett’s 500 list as “a colossus in the science behind internet development”. A world-class pioneer of optical technology, his work has had a great impact on telecommunications and laser technology over the last 40 years.
A Visiting Professor within Electronics and Computer Science, Liam Maxwell is HM Government’s Chief Technology Officer. He was recognised for his work in leading innovation in digital public services.
Inventor of the World Wide Web and President of the Open Data Institute, Professor Sir Tim Berners-Lee is noted for his work as leading the Alliance for Affordable Internet, which aims to make it more accessible to the developing world.
Also recognised were alumna Jane Wernick, CBE, most renowned for her work on the Millennium Wheel, and honorary graduate Sir John Parker, Chairman of Anglo American.
You can see a full list of all those included in the 2015 Debrett’s 500 here.