Professor Ronan Lyons (left) and Professor Sir John Hardy
Professor Lyons, who is based at Swansea University and leads work on DPUK's Data Portal, is recognised for his services to research, innovation and public health. He has had a distinguished career in areas including epidemiology and health informatics, and has held senior positions at organisations such as HDR UK.
Honorary OBEs are awarded to foreign nationals on the recommendation of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. An Irish citizen at the time of his consideration for this award, Professor Lyons now holds both Irish and British citizenship.
Professor Lyons said: 'I am delighted and honoured to receive this award. It undoubtedly reflects the impact of the collaborative scientific approach taken by Dementias Platform UK.'
Also honoured in the field of dementia research is Professor Sir John Hardy, who is awarded a knighthood in the New Year Honours list for his contributions to our understanding of neurodegenerative disease – including his pioneering work on the genetics of Alzheimer's disease.
Sir John, a UK DRI group leader at UCL, developed the 'amyloid cascade hypothesis', which remains the key theory for how Alzheimer's disease arises and has laid the foundations for efforts to produce an effective treatment.
Many congratulations to Professor Lyons and Sir John from all at DPUK!