Professor Natasha Merat recognised in Birthday Honours
Professor Merat has been named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to future transport systems.
The King's Birthday Honours mark the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the UK.
Professor Merat is the research group leader of the Human Factors and Safety Group in the Institute for Transport Studies at the University of Leeds.
She is responsible for the strategic direction of research conducted at Virtuocity, the University’s unique city simulation and co-design programme, which includes a state-of-the-art driving simulator.
Professor Merat studies factors such as driver distraction and impairment and is an internationally recognised expert in studying human factors of highly automated vehicles.
“I am deeply honoured and humbled to have received this award. It was completely unexpected, and I was in shock for quite a few minutes when the letter arrived a few Saturdays ago,” she said.
“I am grateful to be recognised for my contributions to future transport systems, in my role as a psychologist and human factors expert.
“I could not have done this without my amazing team. All I can say is that we have only just started, with lots of exciting and significant activities required in this space, to ensure these new forms of mobility are sustainable, accepted and safe to use.”
Former staff receive Honours
Professor Lindsay Stringer, Professor of Environment and Development at the University of York, has been named as a Medallist of the Order of the British Empire for services to environmental development. Professor Stringer worked at the University of Leeds from 2007 to 2020 and was Director of the Sustainability Research Institute. In 2015, she was presented with a Women of Achievement Award.
Professor Becky Malby, Founder of the Ilkley Clean River Group and Ilkley Pool and Lido Community Group, has been named a Medallist of the British Empire for services to national river cleanliness and to the community in Ilkley, West Yorkshire. Professor Malby is a former Director of the Centre for Innovation in Health Management at the University of Leeds.
Making a lasting impact
Professor Shearer West CBE, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Leeds, said: “Universities play a pivotal role in society by delivering excellence in research, innovation and community engagement. Our hugely talented people are making a lasting impact both in our region and around the world.
“These well-deserved awards are a testament to the commitment and expertise that exists all around our University. I applaud each of our colleagues who have been acknowledged for their remarkable contributions.”
