CCRI Director, Professor Janet Dwyer, received an Associate Membership of the Royal Agricultural Societies at a reception in the House of Lords on Wednesday, 7th March.
Associateships are conferred by the Societies to recognise outstanding contributions by an individual to UK agricultural and rural progress. Potential candidates for Associateship are suggested by existing Fellows for consideration and if deemed to have made truly outstanding contributions to UK agricultural progress (beyond simply doing their jobs well), candidates are invited by their National Panel via the Chairman to make a submission of their work and community activities in support of their application.
In addition to the recognition of Janet’s contribution to UK agricultural and rural progress, the associate membership also presents networking opportunities with others to further the cause of agri-rural progress via influencing thinking, lobbying on research and policy priorities, and encouraging and highlighting practical innovations in agricultural science.
There are two categories; Associateship (ARAgS) and Fellowship (FRAgS), which is the senior award. Both are a recognition of outstanding contribution by an individual to the understanding, efficiency and well-being of agriculture. To date, over 1,200 individuals have been so recognised and there are currently over 800 Fellows and over 350 Associates.
CARAS (The Council for Awards of Royal Agricultural Societies) administers the scheme, acting on behalf of the UK’s four national Royal Agricultural Societies – The Royal Agricultural Society of England, The Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland, The Royal Ulster Agricultural Society, and The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society.
Janet directs and undertakes research related to agriculture, the environment and rural development. Her research expertise centres on European and UK rural development policy and practice, with particular interest in integrated approaches, environmental sustainability and institutional adaptation. Janet is well-known in policymaking circles in the UK and EU, has skills in facilitation and consensus-building, and is a regular speaker at international conferences. She is often called up as an expert to give evidence to Government Committee Inquiries.
