Antarctic expert and HIV research pioneer among scientists made dames

British Antarctic Survey director Jane Francis and biologist Amanda Fisher recognised in New Year honours list

A polar scientist who helped to uncover dramatic historical warming in Antarctica and became the first woman to lead the British government's research in the region has been made a dame in the New Year honours list.

Prof Jane Francis, the director of the British Antarctic Survey and a veteran of more than a dozen expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctica, receives the award for her services to polar science and diplomacy.