We would like to extend our warmest congratulations our own Helen Mason, who has been given the rare distinction of an O.B.E. in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List!

The official citation (also published in the Guardian) reads:

“Dr Helen Elizabeth Mason, Reader in Solar Physics University of Cambridge. For services to Higher Education and to Women in Science, Engineering and Technology.”

Helen is rightly recognised for the unique, energetic and inspirational work that she has done with professional scientists, the scientists of the future, and the public at large. She has been important in encouraging women in particular to participate in the physical sciences. In addition to detailed science, many of us in UKSP have learnt a lot about public outreach from Helen, and her encouragement of those starting out in our community is famous.

Well done, Helen!