Dr Richard Killington has been awarded the 2003 Peter Wildy prize by the Society for General Microbiology, for an outstanding contribution to virology education. As part of the prize, Dr Killington will present a lecture on his educational work, and an article based on the lecture will be printed in Microbiology Today.

Lecturer in Applied Mathematics Dr Natalia Komarova has been awarded the first “Prize for Promise,” by the Student Achievement & Advocacy Services in the USA, a $100,000 award for young women of exceptional ability and dedication within their field. Dr Komarova works in mathematical biology, modelling cancer and virus dynamics. She is on sabbatical leave at Princeton University.

Professor David Rhodes has been awarded the Royal Academy of Engineering’s premier distinction, the Prince Philip Gold Medal, in recognition of his ‘inspired research and entrepreneurship which led to the establishment of Filtronic plc.’ He is also to receive the 2003 microwave career award from the Institute of Electronic and Electrical Engineers, “for a career of achievement, meritorious achievement, creativity, and outstanding contributions in the field of microwave theory and techniques.”

Vice-Chancellor Sir Alan Wilson has received an honorary doctor of science degree from Penn State University. The unprecedented growth and transformation of the University during Sir Alan's tenure as Vice-Chancellor, and his distinguished record as a 'renowned geographer' were cited as reasons for the award.

Leeds alumni were well represented in the New Year’s Honours: chairman of Shell group, Philip Watts received a knighthood; former chairman and CEO of Nestlé UK, Peter Blackburn and chairman of the British Tourist Authority, Dr David Quarmby received CBEs. Former University deputy secretary Christine Challis received an OBE.