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Former rector Arthur Mol receives honorary doctorate in Warsaw
Professor of Environmental Policy Arthur Mol, who served as Rector Magnificus of Wageningen University & Research until March 2024, was awarded an honorary doctorate on Thursday, 28 November. The title was conferred by Warsaw University of Life Sciences in Poland.
An honorary doctorate is a recognition of exceptional scientific or societal achievements. Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW) grants only one honorary doctorate every three years. “It is a special recognition of Arthur Mol’s work as a scientist, his dedication to various international boards, and his impeccable reputation,” says Arnold Bregt, Dean of Education at WUR.
From 2000 to 2015, Arthur Mol was Chair of the Environmental Policy group before taking on the role of Rector Magnificus of Wageningen University & Research until 2024. After his term as rector, he has continued his academic career as a Professor of Environmental Policy. Mol’s research focuses on policy, globalisation, social theory and the environment, ecological modernisation, sustainable food production and consumption, and urban environmental management.
Leadership in European collaboration
Warsaw University of Life Sciences highlights the scientific collaboration with WUR that flourished under Mol’s leadership. Over 20 European research projects were initiated and implemented, funded by the 7th Framework Programme, Horizon 2020, Horizon Europe, COST Action, and ERA-Net. These collaborations included scientists from Warsaw University of Life Sciences, resulting in 100 joint publications that significantly contributed to sustainable agriculture, food security and environmental sustainability. “A hallmark of this cooperation was the opportunity for our researchers to undertake academic exchanges and internships at WUR”, writes professor Tomasz Okruszko, Chair of the Hydrology, Meteorology and Water Management group and honorary promotor at SGGW.
Transformation toward sustainability
“One of the most significant outcomes of this collaboration was SGGW’s participation in the European Universities initiative SUSTAIN LIFE, which promotes sustainable development through the integration of research, education, and innovation in agricultural, natural and environmental sciences. This initiative, co-developed by WUR, SGGW and 12 other partners, is a milestone in institutional transformation toward sustainability, positioning both universities as leaders in this critical field”, Okruszko concludes.