Knighted university leader pays tribute to ‘outstanding team’

Professor Keith Burnett, the head of Sheffield University, has received the honour for services to science and higher education.

He is also a leading atomic physicist who has also played an important role in developing science policy in the UK. He has been vice chancellor at Sheffield since 2007.

He said: “I am delighted to accept this honour, which I do as the leader of an outstanding team here at the University of Sheffield. Our staff and students are drawn from the brightest and most talented people from all over the world, and others see in us the vision, expertise, determination and culture to use that knowledge to make a difference.

“From addressing the challenges of environmental change or the global economy, to treating diseases and understanding the beginnings of the universe, the University of Sheffield is a powerful force for good.

“But I also believe that the most important transformation we make is in the lives of our students who go on to benefit society in so many ways.

“It is this achievement which continues to be one of my greatest sources of pride and pleasure.”

The professor has been a strong supporter of the university’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, an award-winning collaboration between leading companies such as Boeing and Rolls-Royce, as well as over 40 supply chain companies to create a step change in manufacturing.

This work led to the award of more than £37m in Regional Growth Funding late last year to support developments in the manufacturing supply chain.