New Year Honourees from the Social Sciences Division

6 January 2025

The New Year Honours 2025 Lists have been published, marking the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the UK, including OBEs for two members of the Social Sciences Division. 

 

Paul Chapman is wearing a navy suit, white shirt and striped tie. He is looking directly at the camera and smiling.

Paul Chapman OBE, Senior Fellow in Operations Management at the Saïd Business School, Oxford, has been appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to Project Delivery. 

Paul Chapman is a leading expert on the learning and development of executives, especially those responsible for leading the delivery of major programmes/major projects typically valued at more than $1billion. 

Paul is Academy Director for the UK Government's 'Major Project Leadership Academy,' MPLA, a one-year, part-time programme for the Major Project Leaders responsible for delivering the UK Central Government's portfolio strategic projects valued at over £440bn. In this role he also designed and directs the 'Sponsoring Major Projects' programme for UK Government Ministers. 

Paul said: ‘Over the past decade the importance of the project delivery profession has come to be recognised in the UK and internationally. I am delighted therefore that this award acknowledges the contribution of a community of researchers, educators, professionals and practitioners in improving our collective ability to deliver social and economic benefits through effective project delivery. All we have achieved results from this inspiring teamwork. 

'On a personal note, I wish to thank my family, friends and colleagues throughout my career for their generous and unwavering support, and beg their continued indulgence for what lies ahead.’ 

 

Professor Steve Strand has short grey hair and is wearing a navy blazer over a blue shirt and white top. He is outside in front of some green foliage.

Professor Steve Strand OBE, Professor of Education in the Department of Education, Oxford, and Fellow of St. Cross College, has been appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to Equality and to Human Rights. 

Professor Strand has been Professor of Education at the University of Oxford since January 2013. His research interests are in ethnic, social class and gender gaps in a wide range of educational outcomes (e.g. achievement, progress, special education, exclusion) and he is particularly interested in the interface between equity and school effectiveness. He has worked extensively with Government departments, Local Authorities and individual schools on the analysis of pupil achievement data and school effectiveness. 

Professor Strand said: ‘I am very grateful to be awarded this honour, which recognises the importance of equity in educational achievement as a key element in developing a fairer and more just society.’