REUTERS

The Oxford University scientists who invented the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine are among those to be honoured by Queen Elizabeth, among a number of recipients who played key roles in Britain’s coronavirus response, the government said on Friday.

Sarah Gilbert, the Oxford Jenner Institute scientist who co-developed the vaccine, will be made a Dame, while her colleague, the institute's director, Adrian Hill, is to receive an honorary Knighthood.

Andrew Pollard, the head of the Oxford Vaccine Group who ran trials of the vaccine, is to be made a Knight Bachelor, an honour also bestowed on Peter Horby and Martin Landray, the Oxford scientists behind the trial which showed dexamethasone could be used to treat severely ill COVID patients.

"The Queen’s Birthday Honours allow us to pay tribute to all those who have gone above and beyond in their service to this country," Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a statement.

"Throughout the pandemic we have seen countless examples of every day heroes."