Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education presented to Aberystwyth University

Staff and students from Aberystwyth University were at Buckingham Palace on Friday 19 February to receive the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education. The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh presented the Prize Medal and Certificate to Professor Noel Lloyd, Vice Chancellor of Aberystwyth University and to Professor Wayne Powell, Director of IBERS.

The Award acknowledges the work of scientists at the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) who have successfully combined fundamental research on plant genetics with plant breeding techniques to develop new commercially viable plant varieties that are designed to tackle some of the pressing issues faced by communities across the world, those of food, water and energy security.

The Award also recognises the way in which postgraduate teaching and research in plant breeding and the biological sciences at IBERS, which combines practical skills and advanced genetic techniques, is helping to produce the next generation of plant breeders.

Professor Noel Lloyd said:
“I am delighted that Aberystwyth University has been awarded a Queen’s Anniversary Prize.  It is confirmation of the importance of the work which is carried out within the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS).

“The University is committed to addressing the important issues in land based science, and to do so it is necessary to assemble a wide range of expertise. There is a seamless connection between scientific research and innovation, and the transfer of scientific and technological know-how to support land-based industry and the development of public policy is an important objective.  I extend very warm congratulations to those involved in the work which has led to this notable recognition,” he added.

Professor Powell said:
“I am delighted to receive this most prestigious Award on behalf of all the talented and hard working scientists and staff of IBERS. It recognises the commitment and dedication of high calibre visionaries working in plant breeding at Aberystwyth over the last twenty years, who in turn have built on work that extends over the 91 years since the Welsh Plant Breeding Station was established by the University in 1919.”

“IBERS is privileged to be building on this platform of knowledge, skill and achievement to embrace both discovery and solution driven research to solve the most pressing needs of our planet.“

Irene Griffiths was one of the students invited to Buckingham Palace. From Hereford, Irene who’s currently completing her PhD, worked as part of the oat breeding programme and said “It was a fantastic experience. We were able to meet with The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh and The Princess Royal. I was very excited before going and I wasn’t disappointed.”

The Queen’s Anniversary Prizes for Higher and Further Education are awarded every two years to institutions of higher and further education across the UK for work of outstanding excellence. They celebrate world-class achievement and capture the remarkable diversity and quality of the work going on in our universities and colleges of further education.