Dr Nicola Rose, the Executive Director of Science and Research at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), has been appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours. The prestigious award acknowledges her extensive services to science and public health, reflecting a distinguished career spanning over three decades in virology, vaccines, and public health.
Dr Rose is a globally respected figure in regulatory science, having played a crucial role in shaping the United Kingdom's approach to regulatory science research. Her leadership extends to the international stage, where she has been instrumental in the global response to emerging viral diseases. She currently oversees a significant team of more than 270 scientists, technical staff, and students based at the MHRA Science Campus in Hertfordshire, dedicated to ensuring the safety and efficacy of biological medicines.
During the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr Rose led the MHRA's independent laboratory testing of novel vaccines. This critical work significantly accelerated the UK's vaccine readiness and facilitated the rapid development of biological reference materials. These materials were vital for evaluating new vaccines and creating accurate diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2, underpinning the UK's robust pandemic response and contributing to its future preparedness strategies.
In her statement, Dr Rose expressed her profound honour and pride at the recognition, attributing the award to the hard work and dedication of her colleagues at the MHRA's Science Campus. She emphasised the vital role their work plays in the healthcare system, ensuring biological medicines like vaccines are safe and effective, and supporting the introduction of innovative products to benefit patients across the UK. She also voiced hope that this recognition would inspire more young people to pursue careers in science, research, regulation, and public health.
The MHRA Chief Executive, Lawrence Tallon, commented on the announcement, stating that the honour was "very well deserved recognition for Nicola and her whole team." He added that the award reflected Dr Rose's exceptional leadership and the unwavering dedication of all staff at the Science Campus, expressing pride within the MHRA for her recognised contributions to science and public health.
Dr Rose's extensive research portfolio includes numerous peer-reviewed publications, focusing on key areas of the MHRA's laboratory science such as biological standardisation, evaluation, quality control of biological medicines, and regulatory science research. Her ongoing work continues to be pivotal in maintaining confidence in biological medicines and advancing public health outcomes both nationally and internationally.