Several past and present members of the University were recognised in the New Years Honours list.

Professor Maurice Wilkes was awarded a knighthood in recognition of his pioneering work in computing. Now eighty-six, Professor Wilkes played a prominent part in the setting up of the EDSAC computer, which was the world's first fully operational computer in general use.

Maurice Wilkes during the creation of the historic EDSAC computer, which came into use in Cambridge in 1949.

Martin Sorrell was also knighted. Chairman of the WPP Group, he has close links with the University. He is a member of the Judge Institute Advisory Board and a trustee of the Cambridge Foundation.

Mathematician and honorary fellow of Clare College, Andrew Wiles, was appointed KBE. Professor Wiles proved Fermat's Last Theorem in 1994.

Entomologist Miriam Rothschild, who received a honorary degree from the University last year, was made a Dame for her services to nature conservation and biochemical research.

Professor Longair conducts a tour of the Cavendish Laboratory during National Science Week.

Jacksonian Professor of Natural Philosophy and head of the Cavendish Laboratory, Malcolm Longair, was made a CBE for his services to astronomy and cosmology; as was Ian Liddell, Visiting Professor at the Department of Engineering, for his work on the Millennium Dome. Also awarded CBEs were Joe Farman, a fellow of Corpus Christi College, for his work in atmospheric science, and Professor Barry Supple, formerly Professor of Economic History at the University.

Dr John Daugman of the University's Computer Laboratory received an OBE. His work includes the development of an award-winning personal recognition system which is currently being exhibited at the Millennium Dome. Peter Lampl, Chairman of the Sutton Trust, which funds summer schools at the University, also received an OBE.

John Daugman with pictures of the iris of the eye, which is the basis of his new identification system.

Two researchers in the field of education were honoured. Recently retired lecturer at the School of Education, Rex Walford, received an OBE. Last year he received a University Pilkington Prize for his teaching excellence. Patricia Maude, Head of Physical Education at Homerton College, received an MBE.

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