Vice-Chancellor of Cardiff Uni named in King Charles’ New Year’s Honours list

Professor Colin Riordan, President and Vice-Chancellor of Cardiff University has been named in King Charles’ New Year’s Honours list.

The list recognises the contributions of people to society, community or their area of work across the country. It includes prominent diplomats leading the UK’s response to the situation in Ukraine, musicians, actors, and members of the England women’s football team, which won the 2022 Euros.

Professor Riordan, who has been honoured with a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for services to higher education. He said: “I was surprised to receive the news but deeply appreciative of the honour accorded to me”.

He added: “This award reflects the outstanding support and collaboration of my family, colleagues and students throughout my years in higher education, both as an academic and as a Vice-Chancellor.

“I’d also like to congratulate everyone from the University community who has been awarded an honour by the King. I am delighted that their significant contributions have been recognised in this way. We are very proud to see their hard work and dedication recognised.”

As Cardiff University’s first President and Vice-Chancellor, he helped the institution maintain its position as Wales’ top research-intensive university and guided it through the challenges of the global pandemic by personally supervising the development of an advanced internal Covid-19 testing service to help safeguard faculty and students. By founding the first social science research park in the world, he has spearheaded a significant programme of investment in research infrastructure and the educational experience, fulfilling a personal commitment to support the development of social and economic prosperity in Wales.

Along with Professor Riordan other members of the Cardiff University community such as Professor Peter Ghazal have also received an honour in this year’s list. Professor Ghazal has been awarded an OBE for his contributions to systems immunology. Other recipients from Cardiff University, including alumni, can be found here.

Feature Image Credit: YouTube

Related stories recommended by this writer:

• Confirmed: The first day of strikes at Welsh universities will take place in two week’s time

• Cardiff was named as one of the Uk’s top 10 coolest cities to live in

• Aberystwyth Uni is using therapy donkeys during exam season to help students unwind