Dr Jane Gate, Executive Director of the Association for Innovation, Research and Technology Organisations (AIRTO), has been appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours 2026, recognising her Services to Science and the Innovation Ecosystem.
Jane has been Executive Director of AIRTO since 2011, initially alongside her role at the National Physical Laboratory and more recently at the Net Zero Technology Centre. She began her career at the Institute for Animal Health and went on to hold a range of senior roles at King’s College London, including Director of Business Development, where she supported research, commercialisation and a number of international collaborations.
This honour follows Jane’s instrumental role in spearheading an initiative with UKRI to secure the inclusion of AIRTO member organisations on the list of approved sponsors for the Global Talent Visa. This has strengthened the UK’s ability to attract and retain world-class scientific and technical expertise, enhancing the global competitiveness of the sector.
Beyond AIRTO, Jane is Deputy Chair and Trustee of the Daphne Jackson Trust, where she also chairs several committees and contributes to the organisation’s work supporting individuals returning to research careers.
