The Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Warwick, Professor Nigel Thrift has been awarded a knighthood in the 2015 New Year’s Honours List for services to higher education.

Professor Thrift was instrumental in the development of the Alliance between Warwick and Monash Universities to accelerate the exchange of people, ideas and information.

The New Year Honours List recognises the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the United Kingdom. Honours lists are published on 1st January and on the Queen’s official birthday in June.

Professor Thrift is one of the world’s leading human geographers and social scientists. His prior appointments include Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research at the University of Oxford. He is a Visiting Professor of Geography at the University of Oxford and an Emeritus Professor of Geography at the University of Bristol and is the recipient of a number of distinguished academic awards.

Monash University President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Gardner AO extended her congratulations. Professor Gardner said:

On behalf of Monash University, I congratulate Professor Thrift on his knighthood.
He has made a significant contribution to higher education worldwide including the co-formation of the Monash Warwick Alliance, a visionary approach to higher education that offers opportunities for innovation, cooperation and a truly global experience of education and research,”

Professor Thrift said the honour was a wonderful way to mark the very first day of the University of Warwick’s 50th anniversary year and celebrate the successes of the university:

To me the award recognises the numerous successes that we have all achieved together over the last ten years. I want to thank all those – staff, students, alumni, and our supporters and donors - who have played their part in Warwick’s many attainments.“