Fiona Fox OBE - Honorary Degree - University of Leicester

An expert who helps journalists navigate complex science stories has been honoured by the University of Leicester.

Fiona Fox OBE received an Honorary Doctorate of Science during a graduation ceremony, held at De Montfort Hall, in Leicester, today (Wednesday 17 July).

Fiona is Chief Executive and founding director of the Science Media Centre (SMC), an indispensable resource for science journalists in the UK.

The SMC was founded in 2002 in the wake of a House of Lords report on Science and Society. Initially hosted by the Royal Institution, it is now based at the Wellcome Trust. Funded by more than 100 science organisations, the centre provides scientific context and comment for major news stories, drawing on a database of more than 3,000 experts.

In 2010, Fiona worked closely with the University’s press office during the construction of the Central Research Facility, which was opposed by animal rights protestors. This ground-breaking proactive approach to a formerly taboo subject completely changed the way that animal-based research is communicated by institutions across the UK and garnered the University awards and acclaim.

Fiona said: “In these polarised times, it’s more important than ever that the public have access to high quality, evidence based and accurate information about topical issues.

“Leicester has supported science communication while too many other universities have neglected it, recognising the important role of a university in sharing knowledge with society to enhance good decision making and a healthy democracy. The University has won awards for being a pioneer of openness on animal research and I’m proud to be now associated with it.”