A biologist recognised by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation of one of ten people in the UK changing the face of health is among those to have been honoured with a Fellowship from Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC).

Dr Appolinaire Djikeng, director general of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), senior director of the CGIAR Livestock-Based Systems, and managing director of the CGIAR Resilient Agri-Food Systems (RAFS), received the award at SRUC’s graduation ceremony at the Bute Hall in Glasgow.

Chief veterinary officer for Scotland, Sheila Voas, Professor Iain Gillespie, principal of the University of Dundee, former RCVS president Dr Kate Richards and Beechgrove Garden presenter Carole Baxter, a former SRUC student, also received Honorary Fellowships.

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Meanwhile, John MacDonald, a former SRUC lecturer of 40 years and a recognised expert in energy transition, has been made an Emeritus Fellow.

Dr Djikeng, a recipient of the Nelson Mandela Justice award, has worked closely with SRUC to develop agricultural innovations which support developing countries.

He said: “My lifetime mission has been and continues to be ensuring that livestock development in Africa and Asia effectively support the 1.7+ billion of people who still rely on it for their livelihoods.

“Innovations from SRUC are contributing to address challenges associated with climate change, rural economic development, entrepreneurship, youth employment and much more. I cannot think of a greater honour than the opportunity to accept with humility this Honorary Fellowship.”

Since becoming Scotland’s chief veterinary officer in 2012, Mrs Voas has seen the reduction of BVD herd incidence, achieving Scottish TB Free status, and her work has been key to tackling avian influenza and in the prevention of BSE.

She has also been a vocal advocate also for SRUC’s new School of Veterinary Medicine.

Prof Gillespie has spent a decade at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), leading work on science, technology and innovation across the UK.

As a former Director of Science and Innovation at the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), he has helped to influence the direction of natural science research, and in roles across the civil service he has achieved the same in influencing innovation development nationally.

Dr Kate Richards has worked in farm animal practice, pharmaceuticals, the civil service and across a wide breath of non-executive directorship roles, including the Board of SRUC and the council of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) the regulator of vets and vet nurses in the UK, elected President of the RCVS in 2021-2022. Kate chaired a number of RCVS committees including education, standards and the Mind Matters Initiative.

As well as a member of the Food Standards Scotland and Moredun Research Boards, she serves as a governor of The Glasgow Academy.

Professor Wayne Powell, principal and chief executive of the SRUC, said: “We are absolutely delighted to appoint these extraordinary individuals as Honorary Fellows of SRUC.

“As SRUC progresses on its mission to become an enterprise university at the heart of the natural economy, their skills and connections will be of key importance in helping us to achieve our strategic goals. I look forward to working with each of them as we continue our collaborations moving forwards.

“My thanks also go to John MacDonald, for his 40 years with SRUC, across which time he frequently went above and beyond in support of students and the college. John’s crucial research in sustainability and environmental management will continue to support SRUC in coming years.”