Quantum Experts Honored in HM The King’s Birthday Honours List 2024

Insider Brief

• Several key figures in the UK’s quantum sector have been honored in the HM The King’s Birthday Honours List 2024.
• Ian Alexander Walmsley, Rachel Louise Maze and Jonathan Legh-Smith were recognized for their services to quantum science and technology.
• The King’s Birthday Honours List is published biannually — on New Year and on the King’s official birthday in June — to elebrate individuals who have made remarkable contributions to public life.

In recognition of contributions to science and technology, several key figures in the UK’s quantum sector have been honored in the HM The King’s Birthday Honours List 2024. The list, which acknowledges exceptional achievements and services to Britain, includes quantum scientists and entrepreneurs who have made substantial impacts in their fields.

Professor Ian Alexander Walmsley FRS, Provost at Imperial College London, has been recognized for his services to science and quantum technologies.  Rachel Louise Maze, Deputy Head of the Office for Quantum at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, has been honored for her services to quantum technologies. Jonathan Legh-Smith, Executive Director of UKQuantum, has been recognized for his services to science and technology.

The King’s Birthday Honours List, published biannually at New Year and on the King’s official birthday in June, celebrates individuals who have made remarkable contributions to public life and have dedicated themselves to serving and improving Britain. Honorees are selected based on their achievements, commitment to their communities, and their ability to make a positive impact on society.

Nominees undergo rigorous checks by various government departments, including HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), to ensure their suitability for the honor. The honours committee then reviews the nominations, recognizing individuals for making a difference in their field of work, enhancing Britain’s reputation, engaging in long-term voluntary service, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, and improving life for those less able to help themselves.

Honours are bestowed across a range of fields, including community service, arts, health, sport, education, science and technology, business, and civil or political service. This year’s recognition of key figures in quantum technologies perhaps underscores the importance of this rapidly evolving field and its potential to drive future scientific and technological breakthroughs.