University of Liverpool alumni and staff recognised in New Year Honours 2021

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Professor Laurence Alison
Professor Laurence Alison MBE (PhD Psychology 1998)

The University of Liverpool is proud to share the achievements of University alumni and staff who have been recognised in the New Year Honours 2021.

The University of Liverpool alumni represented in this year's New Year Honours list are:

  • Professor Dhiya Al-Jumeily (Certificate in English Language 1990): Professor of Artificial Intelligence, Liverpool John Moores University. OBE for services to Scientific Research.
  • Professor Laurence Alison (PhD Psychology 1998): Director, National Centre for the Study of Critical Incident Decision Making, University of Liverpool. MBE for services to Critical Incident Handling and to the NHS during Covid-19.
  • Dr Heather Bacon (BSc Hons Veterinary Conservation Medicine 2003): Animal Welfare and Veterinary Outreach Manager, Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education, Edinburgh. OBE for services to Veterinary Education, to Animal Welfare and to Charity in the UK and Abroad.
  • Professor Brian Barwick (BA Hons Economics 1975): Lately Chairman, Rugby Football League. OBE for services to Sport and to Sports Broadcasting.
  • Sarah Clarke (M Public Health 2007): Director and Lead Nurse, Adult Critical Care and Major Trauma Operational Delivery Networks, Cheshire and Merseyside. MBE for services to Nursing and to the Covid-19 Response.
  • Amy Farrell (BSc Hons Occupational Therapy 2013): Occupational Therapist, Integrated Community Reablement Service, Merseycare NHS Foundation Trust. BEM for services to the NHS during the Covid-19 Response.
  • Thomas Fowler (BSc Hons 1994): Technical Leader, Environment Agency. BEM for services to the Environment.
  • Professor Kate Robertson (BSc Hons Occupational Therapy 1996): Consultant Professor, University of Nottingham. MBE for services to Occupational Therapy.
  • Dave Thompson (LLB Hons 1990): Chief Constable, West Midlands Police. Knight Bachelor for services to Policing.
  • Keith Weed (BEng Hons Engineering Science and Industrial Management 1983): President, Advertising Association. CBE for services to the Advertising and Marketing Industry.

In addition to the achievements of these outstanding alumni, University of Liverpool Professor, Director of the National Centre for the Study of Critical Incident Decision Making and alumnus Professor Laurence Alison (PhD Psychology 1998) has been awarded an MBE for services to Critical Incident Handling and to the NHS during Covid-19.

Professor Alison oversaw the launch of Project ARES in April last year. The initiative brought together global experts with extensive experience of dealing with critical incidents to provide free online psychological tools to assist frontline staff in preparedness, adaptation and recovery from working in the intense operational environment of COVID-19.

Commenting on his MBE Professor Alison said: “I recognise that police, emergency services, health workers and the military are the doers. As psychologists we merely observe, research the issues and then help with training and evidence-based solutions, whether that relates to difficult decisions, difficult forms of communication or difficult assessments of risk.

“I consider myself lucky to be able to support the doers. Above all things my team and I pride ourselves on responding to practitioner needs, specifically in order to help them to reduce human suffering. I do it for the love of doing it and because it provides purpose. Nonetheless, this recognition – and in this year of all years – is so wonderful. I am grateful to those that took the time to recommend me for recognition.”

The University of Liverpool is incredibly proud of the work of all within its community who have made outstanding contributions to society, particularly in this most challenging year. We congratulate all alumni and staff who have been recognised in the New Year Honours 2021.