Director of Islam-UK Centre receives OBE

Professor in Religious and Theological Studies attends investiture

Professor Sophie Gilliat-Ray has received an OBE for services to Education and Muslim Communities in Britain at a special ceremony for those honoured in the 2020 New Year Honours list.

HRH The Duke of Cambridge presided over the investiture, bestowing honours announced during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Professor Gilliat-Ray’s work focuses on the social scientific and anthropological study of religion in public life in Britain, and especially in public institutions.

She has conducted extensive research on chaplaincy, especially in prisons and hospitals, since 1994. The founding director of the University’s Islam-UK Centre, Professor Gilliat-Ray is committed to research that promotes understanding of Islam and the life of Muslim communities in Britain.

“I feel very honoured to have received this recognition. I would like to thank those who nominated me, and the many colleagues and friends who have supported my work over the years. I am especially indebted to those British Muslim communities which have been so generous in their encouragement and support and have been a continual source of inspiration. Saleem Kidwai, former Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Wales, deserves particular mention for the constancy of his support."

Professor Gilliat-Ray received her OBE on 9 November 2021 at Windsor Castle.