Andrew Morris receives knighthood in King's Birthday Honours

Former Usher Institute Director Professor Sir Andrew Morris has been awarded a knighthood in the King's Birthday Honours for services to medical sciences, public health and patient care.

Andrew, who led the Usher Institute between 2015 and 2017, was among several colleagues within the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine recognised for their contributions to research, healthcare and public service.

Currently Professor of Medicine and Vice Principal of Data Science at the University of Edinburgh, Andrew has served as the inaugural Director of Health Data Research UK (HDR UK) since 2017. Under his leadership, HDR UK has worked in partnership with the NHS, industry, charities and universities to realise the potential of the UK's wealth of health data in life-changing research. In 2024, he was elected President of the Academy of Medical Sciences.

His knighthood recognises his leadership in advancing the ethical use of health data to improve patient outcomes and support research into major health challenges, including dementia, cardiovascular disease and health inequalities.

The honour citation also highlights Andrew's contribution during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he served as Chair of the Scottish Government Chief Medical Officer's COVID-19 Advisory Group and as a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), helping to provide expert advice and enable vital research during a time of national crisis.

Andrew is internationally recognised for his work in informatics, diabetes and genetics and has an outstanding track record of clinical academic achievement.

Professor Sir Andrew Morris

I am truly honoured to receive this knighthood and deeply grateful for this recognition. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work alongside so many remarkable colleagues, patients, researchers, clinicians, policymakers and partners in industry across Scotland, the UK and around the world. This honour reflects their talent, generosity and commitment every bit as much as my own.

I have long believed in the extraordinary strength of medical science in the UK, and in the importance of bringing research and patient care ever closer together. When we do that well, we can make a real and lasting difference to patients’ lives, to the public good and to the wider economy.

I owe a great deal to the support, skill and encouragement of others, and I am sincerely thankful to everyone who has been part of that journey.

Sir Andrew Morris Professor of Medicine and Vice Principal of Data Science

Other King's Birthday Honours

Several other colleagues within the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine were also recognised in the King's Birthday Honours:

  • Professor Sheila Bird, Honorary Professor at the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to statistics.
  • Professor Bruce Whitelaw, Director of the Roslin Institute from 2020 until his retirement in 2025, was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for services to bioscience.
  • Professor Andrew Elder, an Honorary Professor at the University of Edinburgh since 2015, was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for services to medicine and medical education.

Further information

Leading lights celebrated in King’s Birthday Honours | News | The University of Edinburgh

Birthday Honours List of King Charles III 2026

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