Vice-Chancellor receives CBE at Windsor Castle

Vice-Chancellor Professor Robert Van de Noort attended Windsor Castle to receive his CBE from HRH The Princess Royal on Tuesday (23 April).

Robert was appointed as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the New Year Honours list, in recognition of his contributions to science, flood risk management, and sustainability.

Robert said: “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.

“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.”

Robert’s academic career as an archaeologist focused on maritime, coastal and wetland landscapes. He explored 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, Robert has had an active role in flood risk management, uniquely chairing two different Regional Flood and Coastal Committees over the last decade: one for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly between 2013 and 2017 and 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.

Image 1: Robert receives his CBE award from HRH The Princess Royal, at Windsor Castle.

Image 2: Robert with his family at Windsor Castle