Professor Lorna Dawson and Mrs Anne Pack honoured at investiture ceremonies

"Lorna and Anne thoroughly deserve these honours which acknowledge their contributions to the Institute and society"

Professor Lorna Dawson, lead soil forensic scientist at the James Hutton Institute, advisor to the Scottish Government on strategic research and SEFARI Gateway lead for the environment, has received her CBE honour from HRH Queen Elizabeth II during an investiture ceremony held at Buckingham Palace.

First announced in the Birthday Honours list, Professor Dawson’s CBE was bestowed for services to soil and forensic science, covering three decades of managing and conducting research in soil and in particular its application within the criminal justice system.

She was amongst the first to investigate the application of soil organo-mineral markers in forensic investigations, an approach which has proved highly successful and is now in use in many criminal investigations. The impact of this work is immense in bringing criminals to justice and she has become a world leading authority in this area.

Professor Dawson is an honorary professor in Forensic Science at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, and last year she also received a Pride of Britain award.

Professor Dawson said: “It was an absolute delight and honour to be presented with my CBE by HM Queen Elizabeth. I am so proud to help provide evidence to make our nation safer and more secure.”

Longstanding Hutton member of staff Anne Pack has also received a BEM honour at a ceremony held in Perth, for services to agricultural research, Scottish culture and charity. She has been a member of staff at the James Hutton Institute and its legacy organisations since 1992, serving as Personal Assistant to four Chief Executives, all of whom held her devotion to duty in high regard. She is also an accomplished singer-songwriter and recording artist as well as a published author.

Mrs Pack said: “I am absolutely thrilled to receive a BEM. It is a privilege to be part of the James Hutton Institute and to receive recognition in this way for doing such an exciting and rewarding job is very special. This honour wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my colleagues and family.

"During my time with the Institute, I have witnessed many scientific developments and I’m proud to be associated with its achievements.”

Professor Colin Campbell, the Institute’s Chief Executive, commented: “Lorna and Anne thoroughly deserve these honours which acknowledge their contributions to the Institute and society. We are delighted they have been recognised in this way.”