“Trailblazer in science” receives an OBE

A UNIVERSITY of Huddersfield professor – described as “a trailblazer in science” – has been to Buckingham Palace to receive the OBE she was awarded in the New Year Honours list.

Liz Town-Andrews is 3M Professor of Innovation and Director of Research and Enterprise at the University, which she joined in 2009.  She retains her passion for science but has also made a major impact in the field of enterprise, entrepreneurship and forging links between universities and industry.

Her OBE is a second Royal honour.  Professor Towns-Andrews previously received a Queen’s Award for Enterprise, recognising her achievement in creating the 3M Buckley Innovation Centre, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the University.  Since opening in 2013, it has been a base for scores of companies, ranging from established multi-nationals to small-to-medium enterprises and ambitious start-ups, including student ventures. 

Professor Towns-Andrews trained as a scientist – with a specialism in crystallography – and began her career as a researcher based at the world-leading Daresbury Laboratory in Cheshire.  She developed a deep interest in enterprise and innovation and collaborations between universities and industry, becoming Director of Knowledge Exchange for the Science and Technology Facilities Council.

This led to her appointment as the University of Huddersfield’s Director of Research and Enterprise.  The University was ranked in the UK top 10 for Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, which boost businesses via research collaboration with universities. 

Among Professor Towns-Andrews’s many other areas of activity is the encouragement of more girls to take up the study of science, engineering and technology studies.

The citation that accompanies Professor Towns-Andrews’s OBE describes her as a “trailblazer in science” and goes on to outline her accomplishments in the field of research and enterprise since she joined the University of Huddersfield.