Academics recognised for work with Perth Centre

Four academics have been given honorary titles for their work with a Perth-based organisation. Awarded by the University of the Highlands and Islands, the titles recognise links with the Centre for Rural Childhood.

Professor Alistair Anderson, director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship at Robert Gordon University, was given an honorary professorship for his expertise in enterprise. He is an experienced academic who will be able to provide valuable support to students researching rural sustainability.

A frequent visitor to the UK, Dr Zonke Majodina was awarded an honorary professorship for her work in human rights. The South African-based academic sat on the United Nations Human Rights Committee for a number of years before becoming its chair in 2011.

Professor Neil Renwick has had links with the Centre for Rural Childhood for the last two years. As professor of global security at Coventry University, much of his work touches on human right issues and has a rural dimension. He has also acted as consultant to the United Nations Development Programme. Professor Renwick has become an honorary professor of the University of the Highlands and Islands.

With interests in international law and human rights, Dr Olga Martin-Ortega was made an honorary research fellow of the University. She is a senior research fellow at the University of East London’s Centre on Human Rights in Conflict and has co-authored academic works with the director of the Centre for Rural Childhood, Professor Rebecca Wallace.

Speaking about the honorary awards, Professor Wallace said: “I am delighted that the University of the Highlands and Islands has chosen to recognise these eminent academics. Their appointment opens opportunities for enhancing the research topics and activities available to staff and students throughout the University. The Centre is proud to be associated with each of them.”

Based at Perth College UHI, the Centre for Rural Childhood is a University of the Highlands and Islands research and teaching facility. It focuses on childhood-related issues and promotes the human rights of children and young people, regionally, nationally and internationally.

Media contact
Susan Szymborski
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Tel: 01463 279222
Email: susan.szymborski@uhi.ac.uk