Professor Janet Dwyer, Co-director of the National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise (NICRE), has been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2022 for services to rural research over more than three decades

Janet leads NICRE in the South West and is Professor of Rural Policy at, and a former Director of, the Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI) at the University of Gloucestershire, one of its founding university partners. Janet was instrumental in NICRE being established in 2020, alongside the Centre for Rural Economy (CRE) and Business School at Newcastle University and the Enterprise Research Centre at Warwick University.

In 2021, Janet achieved a lifetime ambition of being elected as President of the UK Agricultural Economics Society, one of the world's leading associations of professional and academic agricultural economists.

Janet said:

“Whilst this news has come as a complete surprise to me as I just do a job that I very much enjoy and believe in, I know my family, friends and colleagues are absolutely thrilled that my research has been recognised by the award of an OBE.

“I hope my award helps to inspire other researchers, particularly younger colleagues, to understand and recognise the impact and significance that their work can have.

“I have developed a keen interest in supporting and developing impactful research and fostering a strong research culture and environment, with colleagues at the University and the CCRI and look forward to continuing this in my work on rural enterprise with NICRE.”

Janet directs and undertakes research related to agriculture, the environment and rural development and her expertise centres on UK and European rural development policy and practice. She joined the CCRI in 2002 after working for more than a decade in a government agency and an independent policy think-tank. She was the Director of the CCRI from 2013 until 2021.

NICRE director Jeremy Phillipson, Professor of Rural Development at the CRE, said:

“Many congratulations to Janet for being recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours, an award which is thoroughly deserved.

“For many years Janet has been a pioneering figure in rural research and played a key role in setting up NICRE as a national centre to foster rural enterprise.

“As leader of NICRE in the South West, she is at the forefront of efforts to forge greater links between research and policy to help unlock economic potential and support thriving rural communities.”

Dr Matt Reed, CCRI Director and Associate Professor in Food Citizenship, said:

“The whole CCRI team will be thrilled for Janet and her family at this recognition of her contribution to rural research.

“The Jubilee is a great occasion to recognise all that Janet has undertaken to help create a sustainable agricultural system and vibrant rural communities.

“Janet has guided the CCRI to where it is today, a centre with an internationally recognised research environment that fosters excellence and rigour.

“But of course, her research continues, and we look forward to the innovation that it brings.  So, this recognition is truly something to celebrate.”

Congratulations to Jo Lavis, who was also awarded an MBE for services to Affordable Rural Housing

Jo is an affordable rural housing specialist with whom we at the Rural Services Network have worked extensively over the years.

Jo has helped to shape national policies on the future of affordable housing. She has also gathered extensive data and evidence on the topic, and has been a powerful advocate for rural housing and instrumental in aiding rural communities across England.