World-famous naturalist, broadcaster and author, Sir David Attenborough will be honoured by the University of Aberdeen this summer.
Sir David's distinguished career in broadcasting spans fifty years, beginning in 1952 when he joined BBC Television Talks Department at Alexandra Palace.
He oversaw the introduction of colour television in Britain, and in 1969 he was appointed Director of Programmes with editorial responsibility for both the BBC's television networks.
However, in 1973 he returned to programme making, going on to present some of the most spectacular and ambitious natural history programmes ever commissioned. From the seminal 1979 Life on Earth series to 2008's Life in Cold Blood, Sir David is widely recognised as the foremost natural historian in the world today.
"We are proud that Sir David Attenborough has agreed to accept an honorary degree," said Professor C Duncan Rice, Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen.
"He has proved an inspiration to millions throughout his distinguished career. He embodies qualities and values to which we would love our own students to aspire."
While in Aberdeen, Sir David will also appear at a sold-out Director's Cut event – the high profile series at the University of Aberdeen celebrating the art of the filmmaker. Noted filmmakers Nicolas Roeg, John Akomfrah, Allan Shiach and Raul Ruiz are all previous participants of this season's first series.
Dr Alan Marcus, Reader in Film and Visual Culture at the University of Aberdeen, will interview Sir David in the University's Arts Lecture Theatre on June 30 at 6pm.
"It's a thrill for everyone involved with the Director's Cut to have Sir David appearing as part of the series," said Dr Marcus. "He is a film-maker and narrator without peer in the sphere of natural history – generations have grown up captivated by his work and his words – and it will be an honour and a pleasure to welcome him to Aberdeen next month."
Details of the event can be found on the Director's Cut website: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/directorscut/programme.php
Sir David Attenborough will receive his honorary degree at the University of Aberdeen's evening graduation ceremony on Tuesday, July 1.
Details of other honorary degrees to be conferred at this year's graduations at the University of Aberdeen will follow at a later date.