Marine and maritime activities at Plymouth University receive Royal Recognition

Vice-Chancellor Professor Wendy Purcell accepted the Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education from The Queen at a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace in late February.

The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh present a Royal Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education to Professor Wendy Purcell and Professor Martin Attrill, of Plymouth University

The Queen's Anniversary Prize is a biennial award scheme within the UK's national honours system. It is the UK's most prestigious form of national recognition open to a UK academic or vocational institution. It was awarded to Plymouth University for its world-class marine and maritime research, teaching and training.

This year's awards are even more prestigious, as they form part of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

They also happen to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Plymouth School of Navigation, one of the foundations upon which Plymouth University has been built.

Professor Purcell said: "The honour is very special indeed and reflects the reputation and international standing of our university. It is an award that has been 150 years in the making and marks Plymouth University as a leading, world class academic institution."

Professor Martin Attrill, Director of the University's Marine Institute, was part of the delegation who received a commemorative certificate from the Duke of Edinburgh. "This award is fantastic recognition for the University, the Institute, and Plymouth itself.