Five of McMaster’s most extraordinary faculty members have been given the University’s highest honour.

Deborah Cook, Paul O’Byrne, Jamal Deen, Christine Wilson and Shiping Zhu have been named Distinguished University Professors.

The title, created in 1996, goes only to those who achieve the highest level of excellence in teaching, learning and research.

Those recognized with the honour are considered “complete scholars” and have demonstrated an outstanding and sustained research record, innovation in teaching and learning and a history of service that has had an impact on the community.

The Provost’s office received 26 nominations for the title in December 2014.

“These truly are ‘complete scholars,’” said Provost David Wilkinson. “They represent the best of McMaster in teaching, research and community engagement, and should be proud of their accomplishments. Congratulations to all five of our newest Distinguished University Professors.”

No more than two per cent of all full-time faculty can hold a Distinguished University Professorship.

The title will be conferred upon the faculty members at spring Convocation ceremonies.

Deborah Cook, a professor in Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, is a world-leading expert in intensive care medicine.

Paul O’Byrne, a professor in Medicine, is world-renowned for his groundbreaking work on asthma and allergies.

Jamal Deen, a professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering, is a pioneer in environmental sensing and health imaging systems.

Christine Wilson, a professor in Physics and Astronomy, is an astrophysicist specializing in star formation in our galaxy and beyond.

Shiping Zhu, a professor in Chemical Engineering, is a chemical engineer leading a team discovering new polymers and biomaterials.