Vice-Chancellor made DBE in His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours 2024

Dame Judith's impact as an educationalist and policy influencer stretches regionally, nationally and internationally.

She was one of the founding signatories of Marine Research Plymouth, a partnership between the University, Plymouth Marine Laboratory and the Marine Biological Association designed to cement Plymouth as the go-to location for world-leading marine research.

Other achievements include leading roles in prominent initiatives driving the South West's future economic prosperity, including the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport, the Appledore Clean Maritime Innovation Centre, the Great South West initiative - where she chairs the Energy Programme Board - and the National Centre for Coastal Autonomy.

Dame Judith is also widely respected as a powerful advocate for climate-related innovation, decarbonisation, and the push for net zero.

Ahead of the COP26 conference in 2021, she helped transform the UK HE sector's approach to the climate crisis. As Chair of Universities UK's Climate Task and Finish Group, she led the development of a joined-up, substantive response to the climate crisis and secured climate commitments from 140 institutions to deliver lasting benefits for the economy and the environment.

And in Plymouth, Dame Judith has woven sustainability into the University's £250 million Campus Masterplan.

During her time at the University, the Derriford Research Facility, InterCity Place and Babbage Building are among key developments that have been delivered, while redevelopment of the Fitzroy Building is on track for completion this year, closely followed by the creation of a new park at the heart of Plymouth's city centre campus.