Dr Susan Hopkins has been honoured in the Science, Technology and Innovation category.
The highly prestigious award comes from the Irish government and it honours Irish diaspora members around the world for their contributions to the nation and its reputation abroad.
On receiving the award, Dr Susan Hopkins said:
I am very honoured to receive this award and recognition from the government of Ireland for my contributions to science and technology, working collaboratively with colleagues in the UK and globally to combat infectious diseases threats.
Dr Jenny Harries, Chief Executive of UKHSA, said:
This is a fantastic achievement and completely deserved. A massive congratulations should go out to Susan for being honoured in such a prestigious way.
Susan has been at the forefront of this country's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, working relentlessly to help keep the public safe. We all owe her a debt of gratitude.
Susan grew up in Kildare, Ireland and trained at Trinity College Dublin. She carried out her specialist training in Dublin hospitals before leaving to work in Seattle and Paris, before settling in London.
People receive this honour because they have:
- provided a distinguished service to Ireland or its reputation abroad
- actively and demonstrably contributed to Ireland or its international reputation, or Irish communities abroad in at least one of the listed categories
- a track record of sustained support and engagement with Ireland or its international reputation, or Irish communities abroad over a period of not less than 5 years, or
- given sustained and distinguished service on a global or international issue of importance
The Presidential Distinguished Service Award was established to recognise the contribution of members of the Irish diaspora, and the first awards were made in 2012.
