University College Dublin (UCD) graduate Marie Sherwood has been awarded an honorary Doctorate of Science by the college in recognition of her ground-breaking contributions to Irish agriculture, environmental governance and public policy. 

A leading agricultural and environmental scientist over a career spanning four decades, she championed the use of scientific evidence in policymaking.

She also led research into sustainable farming, water quality, agricultural pollution and climate change. 

A chemistry graduate of UCD in 1956, Marie began her research career at An Foras Talúntais at Johnstown Castle before becoming head of the Environmental and Land Use Department at Teagasc.

Then in 1992, she became deputy director of the newly established Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

As one of a small number of women working in agricultural science and policy at the time, her pioneering work helped shape more sustainable approaches to agriculture.

It also informed the development of Ireland’s first Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Waters regulations.

Second UCD graduate awarded honorary doctorate

Meanwhile, UCD graduate Dr. John Roche has also been conferred with an honorary Doctorate of Science by the college in recognition of his scientific leadership and contribution to the global agri-food sector. 

A native of Castleisland, Co. Kerry, Dr. Roche is one of the world’s leading authorities on pasture-based dairy systems and currently serves as New Zealand’s Prime Minister’s chief science adviser and chief science advisor to the Ministry for Primary Industries.

Over a career spanning more than three decades, his research has advanced understanding of dairy cow nutrition, health, reproduction, grazing management, farm economics, sustainability and animal welfare.

Both honorary degrees were conferred by UCD president Prof. Orla Feely during the centenary year of the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science.