“Be curious, be kind”. How Surrey shaped Judith Batchelar OBE
When Judith Batchelar OBE arrived at the University of Surrey to study Medical Biochemistry in 1977, she didn’t know quite where her path would lead, but she knew she loved science. Originally intending to study medicine, Judith had a last-minute change of heart.
Now Chair of the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, a trustee of Kew Gardens, and Honorary President of the British Nutrition Foundation, Judith applies decades of experience to bridge science and leadership in addressing today’s most urgent challenges.
Judith was awarded an OBE for service to farming and the food industry in 2015.
I cried when I graduated. I could have stayed forever
“Not getting a place at medical school turned out to be the best thing that ever happened,” she reflects. “I realised I didn’t want to be a doctor – I wanted to explore the science behind it all.”
Drawn by Surrey’s outstanding reputation and the opportunity to study Medical Biochemistry with a forensic science component, Judith quickly immersed herself in both academic and campus life. “It was such a welcoming community,” she recalls. “The transition from school to university felt seamless. I cried when I graduated. I could have stayed forever.”
An avid sportswoman, Judith represented Surrey in badminton and fondly remembers the camaraderie of student life. “The rugby club’s drag disco was the highlight of the year!” she laughs. “That mix of fun, sport and science shaped me in so many ways.”
After discovering that lab work wasn’t her calling during an industry placement year, Judith taught science and dabbled in design before moving into food manufacturing and, ultimately, product development at Marks & Spencer. “I’ve worked in chocolate, wine, brewing – all the bad things,” she jokes. “But beneath it all was a scientific foundation that I built at Surrey.”
Judith’s career went on to span science, policy, sustainability and food innovation. At Sainsbury’s, she spearheaded the development of the now familiar traffic light nutrition labelling system – a voluntary initiative that transformed how customers understand food. “It changed perceptions and behaviours,” she says. “That’s what matters: giving people the information to make informed choices.
Sustainability isn't a single issue, it's complex and place-based
Judith on graduation day with her parents.
For Judith, transparency in food systems is a lifelong mission. “Whether it’s championing clear labelling or supporting sustainable supply chains, I’ve always believed in treating consumers with respect,” she explains. “That, and working with people who are smarter than me – something I learned from my brilliant lecturers at Surrey.”
Now Chair of the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, a trustee of Kew Gardens, and Honorary President of the British Nutrition Foundation, Judith continues to bridge science and leadership, applying decades of experience to some of today’s most urgent challenges. “Sustainability isn’t a single issue, it’s complex and place-based,” she says. “Surrey’s strengths in geospatial analytics and environmental science are more relevant than ever.”
You don't have to know where you're going, just explore
Awarded an OBE for services to farming and the food industry in 2015, Judith remains as curious and committed as ever. “I never had a master plan,” she says. “I just said yes to interesting opportunities. You don’t have to know where you’re going, just explore. Be kind, be curious, work hard, and encourage others to do the same. That advice took me from Surrey to the Andes, to a fishing boat off Iceland, to policy meetings in Westminster.”
Her message to current students? “You’re a long time working, so do something you love.”
This interview was originally featured in Forever Surrey, the magazine for alumni, supporters and friends. Sign up to receive the next edition.