Jonathan Adams to Receive Honorary Degree from University of Exeter

It’s our pleasure to announce today, our Chief Scientist, Professor Jonathan Adams has been awarded an honorary degree for his work in the field of higher education and research policy. The University of Exeter has awarded this degree in recognition of the significant contributions he has made to the understanding and development of the management of publicly funded research and research policy in the UK today. Jonathan will receive the prestigious Doctor of Science honoris causa in a ceremony to be held at the Great Hall, University of Exeter.

Jonathan has had an illustrious career before joining us! He started his career in Zoology and went on to establish his research at King’s College, London and the University of Newcastle. He then went on to a science policy advisor role at the UK Advisory Body for the Research Councils and later to the University of Leeds as Director of Research Strategy. In 2000 he co-founded Evidence Ltd, with the aim of creating evidence-based research information for universities and government departments. It was in this role he enabled institutions to compare peer performance in detail and improve their research management. Evidence was bought by Thomson Reuters in 2009.

Jonathan continues to challenge the status quo in his position as our Chief Scientist, having authored many influential reports including: The Implications of International Research Collaboration for UK Universities. Jonathan says:

“The University of Exeter is an institution that exemplifies what thoughtful and supportive management working with an excellent academic body can achieve. Exeter’s success is reflected in its national reputation, its climb in international university tables and its ability consistently to attract talented staff and students. It is a real honour to receive such a mark of esteem from the community that you have worked in and for for the last 40 years.”

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Impact), Professor Nicholas J Talbot FRS adds:

“We are honoured to welcome Jonathan Adams to the University of Exeter as an honorary graduate in recognition of his achievements. Above all, we are recognising someone who has consistently challenged the way in which we think about research in the UK and the contributions he has made to the understanding and development of the management of publicly funded research. The University of Exeter shares Jonathan’s commitment to evidence-led policy.”

Daniel Hook, CEO, Digital Science says:

“Digital Science has always aimed to be home to innovators and those who lead and shape research. Jonathan embodies that very spirit and his achievements, both academic and in support of the academy, speak for themselves. The University of Exeter has a reputation as an innovative institution and is well known to many colleagues at Digital Science. As such, it is particularly gratifying to see Jonathan recognised with such a distinguished honour by the University of Exeter.”

You can follow the online conversations around the graduation using #ExeterForever and we hope you will join us in congratulating Jonathan. You can read the official press release and do stay tuned on our Twitter account for the customary graduation pictures!