Professor Mark Brandon awarded MBE

Professor of Polar Oceanography, Mark Brandon has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s New Year 2021 Honours for services to Polar Science.

Mark said he owes this award to the OU, giving him the opportunities to conduct his research and be involved with exemplary outreach projects.

“I am accepting this award with great pride and much humility, my work at the Open University has allowed me to work with world-leading research scientists and broadcasters, visit and explore extraordinary places and science frontiers, and thanks to the OU’s unique partnership with the BBC, I have been in the privileged position of being able to share that work with a global audience of millions.” 

Professor Mark Brandon, Earth and Ecosystem Sciences

“Mark is the complete academic; a brilliant teacher, exceptional researcher, outstanding communicator, and an influential leader. His unfailing commitment to the principles of social and environmental justice have benefited our School, our students and the Open University immeasurably".

Professor Richard Holliman, Head of School, Environmental, Earth and Ecosystem Sciences

Mark started his career with a PhD in polar oceanography and now has more than 25 years’ experience. Having led large-scale international research projects and teaching how the oceans interact with the frozen parts of the planet has made him one of the most experienced polar researchers in the UK.

Speaking about this accolade, Nick Braithwaite said, “The polar oceans are well served by having someone of Mark's calibre ensuring that their story is widely understood - we are delighted to see him recognised for his professional expertise and advocacy for polar oceanography.”

Mark has spent over three years conducting fieldwork in the Arctic and Antarctic regions and his pioneering research led him to be the first person to use robots to explore beneath the Antarctic sea ice.

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