Honorary doctorate punctuates an extraordinary career

Professor Katrina Brown, an accomplished environmental social scientist, is set to receive an honorary doctorate from Wageningen University, a leading Dutch university.

Professor Brown is an environmental social scientist specialising in how individuals and communities in developing countries cope with climate change. She has served as a key member of the Coral CoE leadership and as the Chair of the Scientific Management Committee since 2014.

“I am absolutely thrilled to be awarded an honorary doctorate from Wageningen University,” said Professor Brown.

“I’ve been so fortunate to work with so many inspirational scientists during my career and I’ve learned a lot from students, colleagues and co-researchers. I believe wholeheartedly that the best science is collaborative and that the most useful knowledge is co-developed and co-produced across disciplines, fields and with stakeholders.”

“To tackle the pressing problems of rapid change in the Anthropocene we need to give voice to multiple knowledges and create space for transformative solutions. I’m looking forward to continuing work with the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies to develop our joint research agenda and address critical challenges facing coral reefs around the world, and the many different communities who depend on them – directly and indirectly.”

Prof Brown will receive the award on 9 March as part of Wageningen University’s centenary celebrations.

She added: “I’m honoured to be only the fourth woman to be awarded an honorary doctorate in Wageningen’s 100-year history.”

A total of 58 honorary doctorates have been bestowed by Wageningen University between 1918 and 2018.

More information is available here.