Four Faculty Academics in Debrett’s 500

Four Academics within the Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering have been named in the prestigious Debrett’s 500. Published in association with The Sunday Times, the Debrett’s 500 recognises the most influential and inspiring people living and working in Britain today.

Digital: Professor Sir Tim Berners-Lee

Inventor of the World Wide Web and president of the Open Data Institute, Professor Sir Tim Berners-Lee features in the list’s Digital category. He is noted for his work as leading the Alliance for Affordable Internet which aims to make it more accessible to the developing world.

Engineering and Technology: Professor Dame Wendy Hall, Professor Sir David Payne, Liam Maxwell

Professor Dame Wendy Hall is one of the most respected computer science academics in the UK; last summer she was also named as the most influential woman in UK IT by Computer Weekly. A Professor of Computer Science within Electronics and Computer Science, Dame Wendy is a fellow of the Royal Society and recognised in the list as ‘a leading light in the development of web services’.

Director of the Optoelectronics Research Centre, Professor Sir David Payne is described in the Debrett’s 500 list as ‘a colossus in the science behind internet development’. A world class pioneer of technology, his work has had a great impact on telecommunications and laser technology over the last forty years.

A Visiting Professor within Electronics and Computer Science, Liam Maxwell is HM Government’s Chief Technology Officer. He is recognised within the Engineering and Technology category of the Debrett’s 500 list for his work in leading innovation in digital public services.

"It is a tremendous recognition of the influence of Engineering at the University of Southampton that so many of our academics are included in this distinguished list," said Professor Bashir Al-Hashimi, Dean of the Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering. "Our success in the recent Research Excellence Framework system gave a clear indication of the industrial and societal impact of research in the faculty; the Debrett’s 500 list further indicates the influence our extraordinary team has in inspiring others."

Compiled in consultation with independent expert practitioners and commentators in each of the categories, The Debrett’s 500 is published in association with The Sunday Times to identify and celebrate the most influential people in British society. All the people in the Debrett’s 500 were scrutinised for their level of influence in shaping the lives, choices and ideas of others.

The Engineering and Technology category also features Andrew Wolstenholme OBE, chief executive, Crossrail. Former army officer and now in charge of one of the most ambitious engineering projects of any age, Wolstenholme will deliver a Distinguished Lecture at the University of Southampton in February around Moving the Construction Industry Forward.