Sea mammal researchers win Queen’s Anniversary Prize

The unit was named among the winners in the diamond jubilee round of the prizes for higher and further education.

A total of 18 universities and three colleges received awards in a ceremony attended by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh in Buckingham Palace.

The prizes honour excellence in higher education and research and the Sea Mammal Research Unit was included for its contribution to protecting the oceans.

Staff at the unit and its graduate team research marine mammals, mainly seals, whales and dolphins, using “innovative” monitoring techniques.

Unit director Professor Ian Boyd said: “Marine mammals are a bit like the canary in the cage. If we know how to read their behaviour and populations we can minimise the effect of our resource exploitation on the ocean.

“Although we need to exploit the ocean, we also need to find ways of doing this sustainably. Marine mammals have a capacity to tell us when we are reaching the limits.”

He added: “My colleagues and I are delighted that our institution has been recognised in this way. It is truly a privilege to work with such magnificent animals and to have the job of translating their importance into information that the public can use.”

Attending the ceremony were Prof Boyd, senior research scientist Dr Ailsa Hall, St Andrew’s University principal Professor Louise Richardson, University chancellor Sir Menzies Campbell and five students.

Afterwards Prof Richardson said: “We are enormously proud of the staff of the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) and delighted that the quality and international significance of their research has been recognised by this prestigious award.

“SMRU is one of a number of examples of Scottish universities leading the world. In our 600th year it is deeply gratifying for St Andrews to receive this honour.”