King’s Birthday Honours 2023

Two key University figures were awarded King’s Birthday Honours for their dedication to driving forward innovation and environmental sustainability as well as for charity work.  

Quaestor and Factor Derek Watson received an MBE for Services to Entrepreneurship and Sustainability. He was among 73 people in Scotland who received honours from the Princess Royal during an investiture ceremony at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh in January 2024. 

Derek has played a crucial role in the development of Eden Campus and the creation of St Andrews Innovation, providing strategic leadership to drive entrepreneurship and meet present-day challenges with impactful solutions.

Geoff Morris, Director of Eden Campus, received an OBE for services to Charity and to the Environment, which was presented by the Princess Royal at Windsor. Geoff’s vision and passion for creating an environment where industry and academia can co-exist have been fundamental to the successful development of Eden Campus.

Listen to Scotland’s Future Podcast where Derek and Geoff talk about delivering innovative solutions that are supporting students and staff through the cost-of-living and energy crises.