Recognition in New Year’s Honours for Professor Avtar Matharu
Posted on Tuesday 30 December 2025
The award is in recognition of his services to equality, diversity, and inclusion across the University and wider community.
Professor Matharu is an ardent advocate for human rights and all faiths, with his vision for community cohesion and commitment to interfaith work, both locally and nationally.
His commitment to peace, dialogue, and community cohesion is driven by a gentle yet decisive leadership style that successfully connects different faiths and addresses racial inequalities.
Under his guidance, Professor Matharu elevated the York Interfaith Group, galvanising people from all faith groups to work together with the City of York Council, York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, and North Yorkshire Police to tackle critical issues like hate crime and discrimination—a collective achievement previously considered insurmountable.
During moments of significant community tension, such as the Israel/Gaza conflict, Professor Matharu proactively brought together local faith leaders to promote dialogue and reduce local friction.
Within the University of York, Professor Matharu is an exemplary role model for inclusion. He serves on the Chemistry departmental Equality and Diversity Group, which secured the highest award in the Athena Swan Charter in 2018 for advancing gender equality in higher education.
Professor Matharu is one of three academics from the University of York who have been recognised in the King’s New Year honours.
Professor Brian Ferguson from the Department of Health Sciences has been honoured with an MBE for services to public health research and his work with the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). And Dee Dyas, Emeritus Professor of the History of Christianity in the Department of History, has been awarded an OBE for services to theology and heritage.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Charlie Jeffery paid tribute to all three recipients.
He said: “These honours reflect the extraordinary expertise and compassion at York, with our academics really making a difference to people’s lives and the world around us.
“Avtar is a tireless bridge-builder across faiths, while Dee’s world-leading research broadens our understanding of the modern resurgence of UK pilgrimage. Brian’s 40-year legacy has helped shape public health policy. It is a privilege to call them colleagues, and as a community we celebrate their well-deserved success.”
Professor Matharu, whose citation reads For Services to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Interfaith and Community Cohesion, said: "It is an honour to receive this award, but the real reward is seeing communities strengthen through dialogue and mutual respect. Building bridges requires consistent effort and presence, especially when addressing complex issues like discrimination and inequality.
“I would like to thank all my colleagues, previous and current, and family. I am privileged to work with them. This honour is as much theirs. I look forward to continuing this vital work, focusing on what unites us to create a more inclusive future for all."