Members of the University of Leeds community are among those recognised in the New Year Honours.
Alastair Da Costa, Chair of the University Council - the institution’s governing body - has been awarded a CBE for services to further education.
As well as his current role as Chair of Council, Alastair was until recently Chair and board member at Capital City College Group in London for 13 years.
He was previously Chair of digital education business 01Founders Limited and has served on the Councils of the London School of Economics and the University of Sussex.
Alastair is a solicitor and practised as a corporate lawyer. He has been a partner and shareholder in global professional services organisations, including a long career with international law firm DLA Piper where he was a Partner, Managing Director, Board and Executive member.
Between 2018 and 2021 Alastair served as a Commissioner to the UK Government’s Social Mobility Commission and was lead commissioner for further education and adult skills.
He said: “I am equally delighted and humbled by this incredible honour. I have always held a deep passion for skills development and lifelong learning, recognising the transformative power of both Higher and Further Education for individuals and communities alike.
“As Chair of Council, I know just how uniquely positioned our University is to play a pivotal role in this effort, both regionally and on a national scale. By leveraging our expertise and resources, we can create a future where education truly drives progress and prosperity for all.”
Emeritus Professor Paul Stewart
Emeritus Professor of Medicine Paul Stewart has been awarded a CBE for services to medical science.
A former Dean of the Medical School and Executive Dean of Leeds’ Faculty of Medicine and Health, Professor Stewart has led new discoveries in hypertension and metabolic and endocrine diseases.
His 40 years of clinical service in the NHS as a Consultant Endocrinologist included 13 years of executive leadership in medical schools and health faculties at the universities of Leeds and Birmingham.
Born in Harrogate and a lifelong supporter of Yorkshire County Cricket Club and Leeds United, Professor Stewart’s many key roles on health boards and networks have included Vice Chair of Prostate Cancer UK, Acting President and member of Council of the Academy of Medical Sciences and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.
He has been actively involved in nurturing and supporting early research careers, and is a former Chair of the UK-wide Clinical Academic Training Forum and a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and the Academy of Medical Sciences.
Professor Stewart said: “I am truly humbled by this national honour. It has been a huge privilege to be able to contribute to a research-embedded UK health ecosystem and in doing so improve the lives and health outcomes of our patients.”
Professor Shearer West CBE, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Leeds, said: “Universities continue to make enormous contributions to society, from globally-recognised research and innovation to significant economic, cultural and community impact.
“It is with immense pride that we celebrate these New Year Honours, made to remarkable and long-serving members of our university community.
“They are an inspiration to us all, and a reminder of the incredibly talented individuals that we are fortunate to call colleagues here at Leeds.”