The Natural Resources Institute (NRI) is proud to share that Professor Andrew Westby, former Director of NRI and currently 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 NRI.
Professor Westby worked at the NRI for 34 years, spending 12 years as 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. His work led to terms of appointment as the President of the International Society for Tropical Root Crops and Agrinatura (a network of European Universities). Major funders were the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the European Union and the former 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.
NRI’s leadership team, colleagues and many partners celebrate this recognition of his research, contribution to development and impactful leadership.
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.”