Professor Andrew Westby has been made an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours.
As Chair of University Alliance’s Research and Innovation Network and Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange at the University of Greenwich, Andrew’s OBE has been awarded in recognition of his services to research in food security and his leadership of the Natural Resources Institute (NRI).
Professor Westby has worked at the NRI for over 30 years, spending 12 of them as its director before becoming Deputy Vice-Chancellor.
Under his leadership, the NRI grew substantially. It became the first institute in a modern university to run a doctoral training centre, and won two Queen’s Anniversary Prizes for Further and Higher Education, cementing its place as a world-leading institution. Professor Westby also leads on the University of Greenwich’s Research and Knowledge Exchange strategy.
The King’s Birthday Honours also recognised other recipients from across UA’s membership who were also recognised for their services to Higher Education, including:
- Professor Hanifa Shah, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Birmingham City University (Awarded an OBE for services to Higher Education.)
- Umesh Desai, Director of Estates and Facilities, Birmingham City University (Awarded an MBE for his contribution to services in Higher Education.)
- Professor Rob Chilcott, Emeritus Professor of Toxicology, University of Hertfordshire (Awarded an MBE for services to National Security.)
- Elaine Brown, Schools Outreach Manager, UWE Bristol, (Awarded an MBE for her services to education and cyber security.)
Professor Jane Harrington, Chair of University of Alliance and Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer of the University of Greenwich, said:
“I am delighted that Andrew’s work is receiving the recognition it deserves. Andrew’s vital research has changed the lives of many, and his leadership of the Natural Resources Institute has been a source of great pride for the university. I know that I am joined by the entire Greenwich community in wishing him congratulations.”
University Alliance CEO Vanessa Wilson said:
“Professor Andrew Westby’s recognition in the King’s Birthday Honours is a testament to his brilliant contributions to R&I over several decades. His work in advancing food security and his exemplary leadership at the Natural Resources Institute have had substantial impact globally.
We are proud of his achievements, and we are proud that he leads our Research and Innovation Network. We would like to send our congratulations to Andrew on this truly well-deserved honour.
Likewise, I want to celebrate the awards of honours to those others across our membership who have received them: Professor Hanifa Shah, Umesh Desai Professor Rob Chilcott and Elaine Brown, and to praise them for their achievements and dedicated years of service to higher education.
Additionally, I am thrilled to see that Chi Onwurah MP, the Chair of the Science, Innovation and Technology Select Committee has been awarded a damehood for her services to political and public service.
Chi has been a great ally and friend of University Alliance over the years, and her work, which includes championing research and innovation talent across the UK’s research ecosystem, has been deservedly spotlighted.”
