A professor at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) has received an honorary doctorate from Mid Sweden University for her outstanding achievements in science. Professor Frances Lucy received the honorary doctorate at an academic ceremony held in Sundsvall, Sweden last week for co-operative sustainability Erasmus programmes and in recognition of her research into invasive species.
Head of Department of Environmental Science at ATU Sligo, Prof Lucy is an internationally recognised researcher in the field of invasive species. She is also a member of the advisory committee of the Irish Environmental Protection Agency and Chair of Inland Fisheries Ireland.
Presenting her with an Honorary Doctorate, Mid Sweden University said in a statement; “She [Prof Lucy] has been one of the driving forces for developing extensive collaboration with Mid Sweden University, including through annual teacher and student exchanges. With an extensive international research network, she has also reviewed grants for both the Swedish Research Council and the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency.”
Receiving the honorary doctorate, Professor Frances Lucy said; “I am very honoured to be granted an honorary doctorate from Mid Sweden University. ATU Sligo have a long-standing partnership with Mid Sweden University working with students on environment and sustainability via an annual summer school and Erasmus exchanges. It is gratifying that they recognise my research in invasive species and the environment; management of invasive species is vital for biodiversity and sustainability at a global level. I look forward to working more with Mid Sweden University in collaboration with our students and staff here at ATU in future years. There is much to do in the field of sustainability to care for our shared planet’
A total of five new honorary doctors were given to international researchers by Mid Sweden University at this years ceremony; Frances Lucy, Hanspeter Kriesi and Walter Lorenz, as well as picture book creator Pija Lindenbaum and noted DNA genealogist Peter Sjölund.
Anna Olofsson, Dean of the Faculty of Human Sciences said at the ceremony; “Since the honorary doctors are appointed as an appreciation for outstanding achievements in any of our fields or for our region, the 2022 honorary doctors can be said to represent an excellent mix of just that. We hope to tie them even closer to Mid Sweden University in the future.”