Television presenter, and award-winning photographer, author and conservationist, Chris Packham, has been awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Science, Honoris Causa from Royal Holloway University of London. The award, which was presented during the summer graduation ceremony for Biological Sciences on 10 July 2018, was given to Chris for his outstanding conservation work.
Chris Packham received his Honorary Doctorate at the annual graduation ceremony
A leading naturalist and figure in wildlife conservation, Chris is recognised for his exceptional work in television and broadcast, including the documentary, Chris Packham: In search of The Lost Girl, highlighting the impact the use of palm oil is having on rainforests.
Chris’s book, Fingers in the Sparkle Jar, was voted the nation's favourite nature book this year, in a poll by the Arts and Humanities Research Council.
A true advocate of ecology, Chris recognises that a growing pressure for resources hinders our conservation progress and, so we must form powerful partnerships with industry and the commercial sector in order to establish extensive care of the environment.
Speaking of his award Chris said: “The ethos and atmosphere I have encountered at Royal Holloway in regards to research and education has been exciting, imaginative and important. I love learning, and every time I’ve visited, I’ve left more knowledgeable.”
Addressing the graduation ceremony, Chris reiterated the importance and value of knowledge rather than just information. He added that although the world faces many challenges he is confident that young people, such as those graduating from Royal Holloway, were equipped with the knowledge, energy, ambition and intelligence to help tackle these major ecological challenges.
"To the Graduates today, you've been primed by great minds, you have a framework of knowledge upon which to build, all you've got to do is go to it, the world will be yours."
Chris Packham's citation was delivered by Dr Steve Portugal, a Reader in the School of Biological Sciences, who has previously filmed some of his original research on the properties of bird's eggs for the BBC's Easter Watch programme with Chris.
