Inspirational alumni recognised in New Year Honours List

Essex graduates who have made a significant impact in the UK and beyond were recognised in the New Year Honours List.

Dr Jalal Bagherli, who completed his BSc in Electronic Engineering at Essex, was awarded a CBE for services to the semiconductor industry. Meanwhile, Professor Margaret Defeyter, who completed a PhD in Psychology at Essex, received an OBE for services to education.

After completing his studies at Essex, Dr Bagherli built a hugely successful career around the development and manufacture of semiconductors, the technology at the heart of almost all products we use every day from cars to smartphones. 

He visited Essex in 2024 to launch a new PhD programme to support the next generation of pioneering researchers. The Dr Jalal Bagherli PhD Programme will support five PhD studentships across three key areas: Embedded Hardware Systems for Net Zero; Embodied Biological Computing Artificial Intelligence and Responsible AI.

Dr Bagherli continues to play a key role within the industry as co-chair of the UK Semiconductor Advisory Panel established by the Government. At the launch of the PhD programme he said: “There is a big role for universities in the UK to play, building on the work of the brilliant scientists we already have here while bringing forward the next generation through investing in pioneering research.”

Professor Defeyter has played a key role in bringing breakfast clubs and holiday activities to millions of children across the country.

Director of the Healthy Living Lab at Northumbria University, Professor Defeyter has spent the last 20 years researching how meals and enriching activities can be, and are being, provided to millions of children across the UK through schools and community organisations.

Professor Defeyter said: “I am both delighted and astonished at being awarded an OBE. To be recognised in this manner for my research with children, young people and families is a humbling experience.”

Celebrating the success of our community

Others recognised with links to the University included historian Professor Geoffrey Crossick who received his MBE for services to the Arts and education. Professor Crossick worked at Essex for more than 20 years and was Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Academic Development from 1997 to 2002 before moving on to numerous national roles. Tim Porter, a former University Treasurer and longstanding member of Council, received his OBE for services to animal welfare thanks to his work as chair of the charity Blue Cross.

Several Essex honorary graduates were recognised with gardener and broadcaster Alan Titchmarsh, archaeologist Philip Crummy and founding director of the Firstsite gallery Kath Wood all receiving honours.