British-French scientist receives French honour in New Year’s list

Sir Stewart Cole, director of the Institut Pasteur, has received the prestigious rank of Officier de la Légion d’honneur in France’s New Year honours. The Welsh-born microbiologist is internationally renowned for his work on tuberculosis.

A total of 342 people were awarded ranks of the Légion d’honneur for their “services in the public interest” on January 1, 2024.

The recipients include:

• Yannick Noah - former tennis champion
• Gérard Feldzer - President of NGO Aviation Sans Fontières
• Michel Calmon - head of healthcare foundation Santé Service

“The légionnaires work for the benefit of society rather than their own exclusive interest,” announced the Grande Chancellerie, which manages the award.

“They defend the country with their weapons and watch over its internal security. They contribute to public welfare by creating jobs, teaching and helping the downtrodden.”

Promoted from Knight to Officer

Stewart Cole won international renown for his work at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne and has contributed significantly to progress in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, cervical cancer and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.

He was named Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur in 2004 for his services to science, and as such was a rare example of a knight in both the UK and France, having been appointed Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) in 2022.

However, he has now been promoted to the rank of Officier.

There are three ranks of Légion d’honneur: chevalier, officier and commandeur, along with two awards, grand officier and grand’croix.

Promotion between the ranks is by no means automatic, and must be approved by the president.

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