We are delighted to share that Professor Andrew Westby, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange at the University of Greenwich, has been made an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in the King’s Birthday Honours. This well-deserved recognition celebrates his services to research in food security and leadership of the Natural Resources Institute (NRI).
Professor Westby worked at the NRI for 34 years, spending 12 of them as its director before taking up the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor. Under his leadership, the NRI grew significantly. 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.
A large part of Professor Westby’s research career focused on the tropical root crop, cassava. Cassava tolerates poor soils and drought, making it a vital food security crop for millions of people. Professor Westby led a long-term, collaborative programme of work with partners in sub-Saharan Africa that developed new cassava markets and associated value chains that supported the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. Major funders were the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the European Union and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Today, Professor Westby leads the implementation of the University of Greenwich’s Research and Knowledge Exchange strategy, through which we deliver world-leading, rigorous and impactful research to answer some of the planet’s biggest questions.
Professor Jane Harrington, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer of the University of Greenwich, says: “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.”
Reflecting on his award, Professor Andrew Westby adds: “I am deeply touched to receive this award. Working within the NRI and at Greenwich means I am part of a wider community of students, staff and partners, and it is an honour to have had their support and camaraderie throughout my career.
“Like many, I joined the NRI because I wanted to contribute to reducing poverty, ensuring food security and creating a more sustainable world through agricultural and food research. Through the work of the Institute, and the University of Greenwich, we get the chance to make a significant impact every day. It is a privilege to serve our community in this way and to do so alongside so many talented and inspiring people.”
