EIGHT scientists from Oxford have been named on a list of the country’s leading practising scientists.

They include one from Oxford Brookes, six from Oxford University and one from Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust.

The list was compiled by the Science Council.

From Oxford University, those recognised were Professor Hagan Bayley, Professor of Chemical Biology; Professor Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, Visiting Professor of Astrophysics; Dame Kay Davies, Director of MRC Functional Genomics Unit; Fred Turner, a biochemistry undergraduate; University of Oxford, Professor Christopher Price, Visiting Professor in Clinical Biochemistry; and Professor Colin Blakemore, Emeritus Professor of Physiology.

Sandra Richards, a biomedical scientist at the NHS trust was recognised as was Professor Alistair Fitt, Oxford Brookes Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange.

It recognised Prof Fitt’s mathematical research on the flow of glass, food and complex fluids as well as flow and deformation in human eyes.

He said: “This list is gives an indication of the rich and diverse range of scientists making valuable contributions across UK society and the economy. I am pleased to be named alongside such illustrious company and to be recognised by the Science Council in this way.”

The list was compiled after a contest based around 10 different types of scientist roles.

David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science, said: “If we want more people to enter science we need to show that the scientific community is not some exclusive club but people with a wide variety of vocations and interests.”