Honorary degree for pioneer of fertility research and broadcaster Robert Winston
Monday 23 July 2012
Lord Winston, the renowned fertility expert and broadcaster has been awarded an honorary degree at a special ceremony at the University of Surrey.
He has presented many BBC television series, including The Secret Life of Twins, Child of Our Time and the BAFTA award-winning The Human Body.
Currently Lord Winston is Professor of Science and Society and Emeritus Professor of Fertility Studies at Imperial College where he runs a research programme in the Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, on improvements in transgenic technology in animal models, with a long-term aim of improving human transplantation.
He is also on the Council of the University of Surrey and is Chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University, Chairman of the Royal College of Music, and was voted "Peer of the Year" by his fellow Parliamentarians in June 2008 for his expertise and work on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill.
His research led to the development of gynaecological microsurgery in the 1970s and various improvements in reproductive medicine, subsequently adopted internationally, particularly in the field of endocrinology and IVF.
Lord Winston said: “I'm privileged to receive this unjustified honour and I will do my upmost to support this outstanding University which continues to flourish and grow at a time when Higher Education is under increasing pressure.”
Professor Ian Kitchen, Associate Dean at the University of Surrey, said at the ceremony: “His world leading research has led to the development of gynaecological microsurgery and various improvements in reproductive medicine and IVF.
“As well as his stellar academic career, Lord Winston is committed to scientific education and founded The Reach Out Lab at Imperial College.
“He regularly writes or hosts popular science programmes for the BBC, Discovery and ABC networks which have won numerous international awards.”
