The University of Reading’s Vice-Chancellor received a CBE from The Princess Royal late last month.
Professor Robert Van de Noort was cited in the King’s first New Year’s Honours list in recognition of his contributions to science, flood risk management, and sustainability.
The investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle saw the professor officially presented with his honour.
“I was surprised and delighted to be offered a CBE, and today I feel very honoured to have been invited to Windsor Castle to meet Her Royal Highness Princess Anne,” he said.
“Princess Anne seemed very interested in the university and I was pleased to be able to tell her something of our amazing work, particularly in the area of sustainability, which has been a collective priority for our colleagues, students and neighbours.
“A Vice-Chancellor is only one member of a wider university team, and I hope everyone in the University community recognises the important role they play in achieving our important mission, to secure a stronger future through education and discovery.”
As an archaeologist, he focused on maritime, coastal and wetland landscapes.
HIs work saw him explore how past societies were affected by, and adapted to, changing climates over the last 10,000 years, and what this tells us about our own lives at a time of rapid climate change.
He was appointed Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University of Reading in 2014, Acting Vice-Chancellor in 2018 and then Vice-Chancellor in 2019.
As well as his academic career, Professor Van de Noort has had an active role in flood risk management, uniquely chairing two different Regional Flood and Coastal Committees over the last decade: the one for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly between 2013 and 2017 and the one for the Thames since 2017.
The award of CBE is the highest level of recognition below that of a dame or knighthood and is awarded to individuals who have achieved prominent roles at national level, leading roles at regional level, or for distinguished, innovative contributions in any area of public life.
