Two leading academics and a graduate from the University of Aberdeen have been honoured this weekend in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. Two esteemed professors have been made an OBE in recognition of their services – one to healthcare, the other to the oil and gas industries - and one of the UK’s most prominent and successful businessmen has received a Knighthood for public service.
Professor Cairns Smith, Head of the Department of Public Health, (pictured right) has been involved in leading leprosy research for the past three decades. He has been searching for ways to improve the healthcare for thousands of sufferers worldwide and prevent people from being permanently disabled by the disease.
During his career, he spent three years in India and five years in Singapore as part of his studies into the disease and is Chairman of the World Health Organisation’s technical advisory group on leprosy.
Another distinguished academic, Professor Alex Kemp, Schlumberger Professor of Petroleum Economics, is an internationally renowned expert on Oil Petroleum Economics and has been awarded an OBE for his services to the oil and gas industries.
After graduating, Professor Kemp worked for Shell and the University of Strathclyde. He has also held a visiting appointment at the University of Nairobi.
His interests include North Sea Oil and Gas Economics, international Petroleum Economics, and the Official History of North Sea Oil and Gas and he has written numerous publications.
A University of Aberdeen graduate, Don Cruickshank, is a Co-opted Member on the University Court and has received a Knighthood for public service.
Don Cruickshank, (MA 1963 LLD 2000), is a Director of Qualcomm Inc, and Chairman of Clinovia Group Ltd and Formscape Group Ltd. He was Chairman of the London Stock Exchange, SMS Plc, and Taylor and Francis Plc.
Dr Cruickshank serves on the Scottish Enterprise International Advisory Board and is a member of the Financial Reporting Council.
He is a member of the University of Aberdeen’s Development Trust Campaign Board and has provided support and advice to the University’s Development Trust during the first phase of the Sixth Century Campaign.
On behalf of the University community, many congratulations to all.