Edinburgh’s Principal Peter Mathieson to receive knighthood for ‘services to higher education’
He is one of three others in Scotland to receive a knighthood
Edinburgh University’s Principal Peter Mathieson will receive a knighthood after being recognised in the New Year’s Honours List.
He is receiving his knighthood for “services to higher education” and is “honoured and flattered” to receive the knighthood.
Mathieson has been Principal of Edinburgh University since 2018, and before that was the 15th president of the University of Hong Kong between April 2014 and January 2018.
On the New Year’s Honours list Mathieson is described as “directing the University of Edinburgh to reach its highest ever position in the QS World University Rankings.” He is also mentioned as “an advocate for global consensus, he has brought together those leading the US and Chinese Covid-19 response strategies, Dr Anthony Fauci and Dr Nanshan Zhong, to engage in dialogue at the Edinburgh Futures Conversation on Global Health.”
He said: “I do see it as recognition of the standing of the university. I’m privileged to lead one of the world’s great universities and we’ve got a quarter of a million alumni around the world and almost 50,000 students.
“I feel there’s a big community and I think it’s a recognition of the standing of the university in society within the world and I’m very proud of the university, proud to be its principal.”
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Those recognised in the New Year Honours list have made exceptional contributions to communities across Scotland and beyond. These honours are particularly poignant as they are the first to be awarded since the passing of Her Majesty The Queen, who reigned for over 70 years.
“The service and dedication of our successes, from the arts, education and sport to business, charity, community cohesion and science, has helped to promote Scotland all over the world and benefited people throughout society.”
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