Alumnus Dr Geoffrey Fernie, who graduated with a BSc in Mechanical Engineering in 1969, received the $10,000 Dr Jonas Salk Award on 12 June. The award is presented annually to a Canadian scientist who has made a new or significant contribution to science or medicine in the alleviation or prevention of a disabling condition. Dr Fernie is a leader in conceiving and producing products designed to provide more independence to adults with physical disabilities.

Sally Hall, an Argus journalist and Sussex graduate, has been named trainee of the year at a regional newspaper awards ceremony. The judges said Sally had "a rare and enviable ability to spot the detail that brings a story to life" - an ability she developed while writing press releases and Bulletin articles as a graduate intern at Sussex from 1998-99.

Dr Jonathan Miller received a knighthood for services to music and the arts in the Queen's birthday honours this month. He originally qualified as a doctor and became Research Fellow in Neuropsychology at Sussex in 1985, but he is better known for his work as a theatre and opera director, author and TV presenter.