The royal couple presented the Queen’s Anniversary Prize to senior figures from the university at a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace yesterday. The prize – the highest national honour awarded in UK further and higher education – recognises outstanding work that shows quality and innovation, and delivers real benefit to the wider world through education and training.
Professor Gerry McCormac, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University, and Professor Selina Stead, head of the Institute of Aquaculture, collected the latest award.
Speaking after the ceremony, Professor McCormac said: “I am very proud and incredibly honoured to accept this highly prestigious award from the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, on behalf of colleagues within the Institute of Aquaculture.
“Our experts are working to tackle global problems of food security, hunger and sustainability through aquaculture – and have a global reputation for teaching, world-class research, technological innovation and consultancy within the sector. This award is recognition of the hard work and dedication of our team in the Institute, as well as within the wider university.
“The honour also reflects the university’s vision to be recognised across the world as a leader that addresses the needs of society through innovative interdisciplinary research, learning and teaching of the highest quality.”
The recognition celebrates the IoA and its pioneering work in the world’s fastest-growing food production sector in a bid to tackle global hunger. It is a timely announcement – as the IoA prepares to mark its 40th anniversary next year with a major redevelopment of its facilities, funded under the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal.
Professor Stead said: “We are absolutely delighted that the University of Stirling has received the Queen’s Anniversary Prize, in recognition of the work of our Institute of Aquaculture. This reflects the collaborative and interdisciplinary work our team has taken over the past 40 years – with governments, regulatory bodies, industry, fish farmers and supply chains – to tackle global problems of food security, hunger and sustainability.
“Over the coming years, with investment through the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal, we will build upon these successes and further enhance our research and teaching offering to ensure that the Institute of Aquaculture remains a global leader in its field.”
The Queen’s Anniversary Prize is managed by The Royal Anniversary Trust, established to create a national programme of educational activities and other events marking the 40th anniversary of The Queen’s accession in 1992, and in appreciation of her many years of service as Head of State.
