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A montage of the Durham University recipients of The King's Birthday Honours

The dedication and inspirational work of Durham University colleagues has been recognised by His Majesty King Charles III.

Our University Secretary, a senior academic and our incoming Chief Operating Officer – were named in The King’s Birthday Honours.

Services to Higher Education

Our University Secretary Dr Amanda Wilcox is honoured for services to Higher Education. 

Amanda, who is responsible for the University’s overall governance, assurance and legal compliance, becomes an MBE. 

She is honoured after a career that has seen her spend 30 years in Higher Education to date. 

Services to Antarctic science

Professor Mike Bentley, a leading polar geoscientist in our Department of Geography, receives an OBE for services to Antarctic science.

Mike’s research focuses on the past and future behaviour of the Antarctic Ice Sheet.

His work also looks at reducing uncertainty in projections of future risk of sea level rise.

Contribution to sport

Incoming Chief Operating Officer Stewart Ross also becomes an MBE for his contribution to sport.

Stewart, who joins us from the University of Leeds in August, has been National Chair of the HE Sector Sport body and was instrumental in the establishment of the national sports body, British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) in 2008. 

He has spent more than a decade chairing the Leeds’ strategic partnership for sport and was instrumental in the establishment of Triathlon Leeds.

Exceptional individuals

Amanda, Mike and Stewart are exceptional in their own fields of work, research and interests. They are great examples of the many outstanding people we have at Durham University. I congratulate them and everyone connected with Durham who has been honoured by His Majesty The King.

Professor Karen O’Brien
Vice-Chancellor and Warden, Durham University

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