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OBE for York biologist in King’s Birthday honours

Posted on 17 June 2023

Professor Jane Hill has been awarded an OBE for services to conservation ecology in the King’s Birthday Honours.

Professor Jane Hill

Professor Hill has been a member of staff at the University of York for more than 20 years, examining how species - particularly butterflies - have shifted their ranges in response to climate change.

Her research has revealed which species are the winners and losers and that habitat fragmentation plays an important role in slowing up range shifting, examining the effectiveness of improving connectivity and which species benefit.

Biodiversity

Her work includes research to improve the environmental sustainability of oil palm cultivation and the importance of setting aside patches of rainforest for biodiversity.

She is the Associate Dean for research in the Faculty of Sciences at the University and Professor of Ecology in the Department of Biology.

Currently the president of the Royal Entomological Society, Professor Hill is only the fourth woman to hold this role since 1833. She is also an honorary Fellow of the Society and she received a ZSL Marsh Award for conservation in 2012.

Inspirational

Professor Hill said: "I am delighted to receive this honour for services to conservation ecology.

“It's such a pleasure for me to have the privilege of working with fabulous colleagues to address the challenges of how species respond and adapt to modern, human-dominated landscapes, and how to help biodiversity thrive in a world of rapid climate and habitat changes."

Passion

Vice-Chancellor Professor Charlie Jeffery, said: “Jane is an inspirational researcher and colleague; her concern and passion for the protection of our natural environment is felt by anyone who has worked alongside her. 

“She works tirelessly in enhancing public understanding of complex issues, and she is fully deserving of this award for her many contributions to science.”

A second academic at the University of York was recognised for her work in the Birthday Honours.

Professor Nicky Milner was awarded an OBE for services to archaeology and higher education in the King’s Birthday Honours.

Professor Milner is an award-winning archaeologist who for the last couple of decades has co-directed a number of excavations including the world-famous Middle Stone Age site of Star Carr.

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