A West Lothian dad has been honoured with an OBE for helping in the fight against covid.
Professor Ewen Munro Harrison, who lives in Westfield, was handed the award in the first honours from King Charles.
He is professor of surgery and data science at the University of Edinburgh and received the OBE for services to the Covid-19 response.
The dad-of-two said: “It is a privilege to collaborate with some of the most talented individuals in the world, working to improve the health and care of people both locally and across the world.
“This award reflects the hard work of thousands of individuals, and I am truly honoured to receive it.”
Professor Harrison leads the Surgical and Critical Care Informatics group, performing research focused on improving patient outcomes after surgery and in intensive care.
He is professor of surgery and data science at the University of Edinburgh and a consultant HPB and transplant surgeon at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.
His many research interests include data science and artificial intelligence – areas that were crucial in early work understanding Covid-19.
West Lothian Provost Cathy Muldoon congratulated Professor Harrison on his achievement.
She said: “On behalf of everyone in West Lothian I would like to pass on our warm congratulations to Professor Ewen Harrison, who has received an OBE in the New Year 2023 Honours List for his services to the Covid-19 response.
“It is a wonderful accolade for West Lothian when local people are recognised in this way.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of the unsung heros who work tirelessly for our communities throughout the year, and wish everyone in West Lothian a very happy and peaceful New Year.”
Moira Niven MBE, West Lothian’s Lord-Lieutenant added: “I would like to congratulate Professor Ewen Harrison on his award in His Majesty The King’s New Year Honours list.
“Professor Harrison is clearly a leading expert in his field and played a vital part in the response to the Pandemic. I’m sure everyone in West Lothian would like to both thank him for his work and to congratulate him.”
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