Professor Liz Price awarded MBE for services to sustainability education

Liz Price, Professor of Environmental Education and Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor Sustainability at Manchester Metropolitan University, has been awarded an MBE in the King’s birthday honours, for her contribution to sustainability education.  

This accolade recognises Liz’s efforts in driving sustainability across education, research, and partnerships at the University.  

Liz has played a pivotal role in developing and implementing the University’s Leadership in Sustainability Strategy, establishing Manchester Met at the forefront of sustainable development and committed to achieving a zero-carbon future. 

The University celebrated over a decade as a top three sustainable university in the People and Planet University League* in 2023 and ranks 44th in the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. Furthering its commitment, the University pledged to integrate Education for Sustainable Development and Carbon Literacy across all courses by 2026. 

Commenting on the achievement, Liz said: “I am honoured and truly surprised to receive this award for services to sustainability education, but this recognition is testament to our amazing colleagues, students, and partners at Manchester Metropolitan who embed sustainability as a priority and shared responsibility.  

“As a University, we are committed to delivering a pipeline of green skills and developing graduates who are empowered to act as agents of change for sustainability. While we have achieved much to date, I recognise there is still more work to be done and I am proud this accolade highlights the importance of sustainability education in delivering a better future for us all.” 

Prior to her current role, Liz served as the Head of the Department of Natural Sciences and Institutional Academic Lead for the Environment at Manchester Met. She is also a Council Member of the Institution of Environmental Sciences, a member of the Quality Assurance Agency and Advance HE Advisory Group that reviewed the Education for Sustainable Development Guidance for the UK, and a member of the Advisory Board of the Association for Learning Design and Education for Sustainable Development.  

Additionally, Liz is the University Partner in the Department for Education National Education Nature Park consortium and Co-Lead of the UK Consortium on Sustainability Research. 

Liz’s professional accolades include being a Chartered Environmentalist, a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology, and a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.  

Liz also plays a pivotal role in representing Manchester Met on several Boards and steering groups, including the Universities UK Climate Action Steering Group, the Manchester Climate Change Partnership and Board, and the Oxford Road Corridor Executive. She chairs the Greater Manchester Civic University Green Skills Working Group, underscoring her commitment to sustainability at both local and national levels. 

Commenting on the achievement, Professor Malcolm Press CBE, Vice-Chancellor of Manchester Metropolitan, said: “I am delighted that Liz’s important and innovative work on sustainability and climate has been recognised in this way.  The honour is well deserved and I congratulate Liz on this wonderful achievement”.        

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*the only comprehensive and independent league table of UK universities ranked by environmental and ethical performance.