The University of Liverpool’s Professor Paul May has been recognised in the 2026 New Year Honours list for services to charitable fundraising and neurosurgery.
A distinguished figure in neurosurgery, Professor May spent four decades at The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust as a Consultant Neurosurgeon, where he founded the paediatric neurosurgical service at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust. He now sits on The Walton Centre’s Board of Directors.
His leadership has shaped the field nationally, serving as President of the Society of British Neurological Surgeons and as National and Clinical Lead for Adolescent and Paediatric Neurosurgery under the Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) programme. In August last year, he was appointed as the first Chair of the North West Neurosurgery Specialised Services Clinical Network.
Professor May said: “I am humbled and honoured to receive this award which reflects the love and support of my wife, family and friends and the privilege of working in the fantastic city of Liverpool with amazing colleagues and great people.”
University of Liverpool Vice-Chancellor Professor Tim Jones said: “Professor May’s remarkable contribution to neurosurgery and his tireless commitment to charitable causes exemplify the very best of our University values. We are immensely proud to see his achievements recognised with this honour.”