Health Minister congratulates Professor Ian Young on award of CBE
Date published:
The Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has congratulated Professor Ian Young on being awarded Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to Health Services Research and Development and to Health Education in the 2026 Birthday Honours.
Professor Young was the Department of Health’s Chief Scientific Advisor for 10 years, before leaving to join the Food Standards Agency earlier this year. He is also currently a Consultant Chemical Pathologist with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.
Professor Young played a key role in Northern Ireland’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic and was responsible for health-related research and development. As part of this, he led on Northern Ireland’s first Cancer Research strategy and was the driver behind NI’s Research Strategy 2016-2025, enhancing health, wellbeing & economy through high-quality research, improving patient outcomes.
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said:
“I am delighted that Professor Ian Young has received a well-deserved honour to recognise the exemplary service he provided to the Department over the decade he worked here.
“As Chief Scientific Advisor, Professor Young made an outstanding contribution to policy, research, life sciences, and clinical innovation, not only in Northern Ireland but across the UK and internationally throughout his distinguished career. He displayed exceptional leadership throughout his time in Health, and his commitment to Research and Development will stand the Department in great stead to meet its future challenges.
“I thank him for his service to the Department and to the people of Northern Ireland and wish him well in his new role with the Food Standards Agency.”
Professor Ian Young said:
"I am delighted to have been recognised in this way, and grateful to many colleagues in the Department and the wider Health and Social Care system with whom I have worked over the last few years through some very challenging times. This award is a result, in no small part, of the support and achievements of many people who have worked with me to support research and innovation and to provide the best scientific advice possible to help keep our population safe and healthy."
The Minister also congratulated Health and Social Care (HSC) staff recognised on the New Years Honours List. He added:
“I want to congratulate all staff across the HSC and Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service who have been recognised. Thank you for your commitment and dedication to improving the lives of all in Northern Ireland, and for going above and beyond every day.”
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