‘Biggest scientific breakthrough of the century’ leads to knighthood

Professor James Hough is among those to be given a knighthood.

Professor Hough has been recognised for his role in detecting gravitational waves.

The Glasgow University academic was part of the international team that detected gravity waves – ripples in spacetime – a century after Albert Einstein predicted their existence.

The 2016 discovery was described as “the biggest scientific breakthrough of the century” and Prof Hough, who worked on the project for more than 40 years, has since been recognised with a gold medal from the Royal Astronomical Society, one of the highest accolades in science.

Professor Hough said: “I am delighted and a bit overwhelmed by this honour.

“I am so pleased that the detection of gravitational waves has had such a scientific impact and am looking forward to the future discoveries my colleagues and I are going to see in the coming years.”

Oil industry tycoon Sir Ian Wood, who was given a knighthood in 1994, adds to his honours by being made chancellor of the Order of the Thistle by the Queen.

He said: “I am greatly honoured by this personal recognition from Her Majesty the Queen and I share it with the many very talented, committed and enterprising people I have worked with in my life, whether in business, in public life or in my more recent philanthropic activities.

“It is also deservedly shared with my beloved family.”

I am so pleased the detection of gravitational waves has had such a scientific impact. PROF JAMES HOUGH

Clockwise from far left: ‘King Kenny’ becomes Sir Kenny Dalglish; peace campaigner Mike Haines is made an OBE; and Carol McGregor, mother of Trainspotting star Ewan, has been made an MBE for her services to charity.

Pictures: PA/Mhairi Edwards/Getty.