Ian Young CBE in King's Birthday Honours

We are delighted to congratulate former LabMed President Ian Young on being appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours.

Ian received the honour for services to Health Services Research and Development and to Health Education, recognising an outstanding career that has had a lasting impact on laboratory medicine, healthcare science and public health across the UK and internationally.

A consultant chemical pathologist with Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and Professor of Medicine at Queen's University Belfast, Ian has been one of the UK's leading voices in laboratory medicine for many years. He previously served as Chief Scientific Advisor to the Northern Ireland Department of Health and, earlier this year, took up the role of Chief Scientific Advisor at the Food Standards Agency.

His work has helped advance understanding of lipid metabolism, nutrition and cardiovascular disease. He has also played a significant role in shaping healthcare research strategy in Northern Ireland and was instrumental in the region's research and scientific response during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ian has made an equally significant contribution to the laboratory medicine profession through his service to LabMed. As a Past President of the Association, he helped champion the profession during a period of continued scientific and clinical development and has remained a valued member of the laboratory medicine community. Many members will also know him through his longstanding involvement in international organisations, including the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC), where he has held several senior leadership roles.