Alumni news
Sussex alumni recognised in the King's Birthday Honours
By: APRIL WILSON
Last updated: Monday, 13 July 2026
Bee in the Woods founder and Sussex alumna Lucy Owen-Collins MBE, who was recognised for services to early years education.
The University of Sussex is proud to celebrate a distinguished group of alumni and honorary graduates who have been recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours for their outstanding contributions across science, education, medicine, the arts, literature and public service.
Among those honoured is Professor Sir Carlos Frenk KBE FRS, honorary graduate and former Sussex Postgraduate Research Fellow, who receives a knighthood for services to astrophysics and cosmology. A world-leading cosmologist, Sir Carlos has transformed our understanding of the formation of galaxies and the structure of the Universe.
Professor Dame Parveen Kumar GBE, who was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Medicine by Sussex in 2011, is one of only 100 living to be made a Dame Grand Cross. This recognises her exceptional contribution to global medical education and health and reflects a lifetime dedicated to improving healthcare and training generations of medical professionals worldwide.
Professor Rose Luckin CBE, Sussex alumna and former Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, is honoured for services to education. An internationally respected expert in artificial intelligence and learning, she has been a pioneering voice in the development of technology-enhanced education.
Also recognised are alumni: Kate Aubrey-Johnson OBE for services to children and the youth justice system; Lucy Owen-Collins MBE, founder of Bee in the Woods, for services to early years education; Peter Talbot MBE, founder of The Rude Mechanical Theatre Company, for services to the arts; and Chris Britten MBE, Executive Headteacher of Ysgol Y Deri School, for services to education.
These honours reflect the remarkable impact of the Sussex community, whose members continue to shape lives and drive positive change locally, nationally and internationally. We warmly congratulate all those recognised and thank them for their inspiring contributions to society.