New Year Honours celebrates contributions of chemical sciences community
Our outgoing Honorary Treasurer, Claire Gallery-Strong is among the chemical scientists recognised in the 2026 New Year Honours.
The King’s New Year’s Honours List for 2026 has been announced, recognising individuals from across the UK whose dedication and achievements have made a lasting difference to their communities and professions. From science and education to public service and the arts, the list celebrates those whose work continues to shape a better future for the nation.
Dr Helen Pain, Chief Executive of the Royal Society of Chemistry and recipient of an MBE in 2024, congratulates those from across our community as they receive their honours.
"I am delighted to see our outgoing Honorary Treasurer, Claire Gallery-Strong recognised for her outstanding career. She has made a huge contribution to powering the UK and I'm so grateful for the support she has given me and her fellow Royal Society of Chemistry trustees over many years.
"I am also pleased to see recognition of the importance of both scientific advice to government – with Gideon Henderson receiving a well-earned honour – as well as inclusion and diversity, with Avtar Singh Matharu being recognised for his significant contribution."
Dr Helen Pain
Commenting on Avtar Matharu's MBE, Royal Society of Chemistry head of global inclusion Ale Palermo added: “We’re proud to see Avtar recognised in this way as he has worked extensively on important projects over the years. He is such an inspiring member of our community and I am so pleased others have this opportunity to acknowledge his contribution.”
Honours list 2026
Dame Commander of the British Empire (DBE)
Dr Fiona Elizabeth Rayment CEng MBA CChem FRSC, Non-Executive Director, Trustee and Nuclear Advisor. For services to Nuclear Engineering.
Commander of the British Empire (CBE)
Dr Luisa Maria Freitas dos Santos MEng MRSC, Vice-President, Global Clinical Supply Chain, GlaxoSmithKline. For services to Pharmaceutical Engineering.
Professor Gideon Henderson FRSC FRS, Professor of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford and lately Chief Scientific Adviser, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. For services to Science.
Professor Jennifer Rubin, Chief Scientific Adviser and Director General, Home Office. For services to Science and Analysis.
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Professor Maria Mercedes Maroto-Valer PhD FRSC FRSE, Director, Research Centre for Carbon Solutions, Heriot-Watt University. For services to Low-Energy Technologies.
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Claire Gallery-Strong CSci CChem FRSC, Corporate Services Director, Nuclear Waste Services. For services to the Nuclear Industry.
Professor Avtar Singh Matharu CChem FRSC, Professor of Chemistry, University of York. For services to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and to Interfaith and Community Cohesion.
As well as her stellar career in her specialist area, Claire Gallery-Strong MBE has played a significant role in advancing the goals of the Royal Society of Chemistry as both a Trustee and Honorary Treasurer.
"I am overwhelmed to be recognised in this way."
Claire Gallery-Strong MBE
RSC president Annette Doherty, left, RSC CEO Helen Pain, centre, RSC past president Gill Reid, rear right, former RSC honorary treasurer Claire Gallery-Strong, front right