Glasgow University principle says knighthood is for whole institution

The principal of Glasgow University has expressed his delight at being knighted in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.

Published 16th Jun 2017

The principal of Glasgow University has expressed his delight at being knighted in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.

Professor Anton Muscatelli is recognised for his services to economics and higher education.

He said: “I'm absolutely delighted to receive this honour, but this is, of course, an award for the whole of the University of Glasgow as much as it is for me.

“It is a privilege to lead the University of Glasgow at this exciting time, especially since this was the place where I chose to study and where I began my academic career as an economist, particularly at a time when the University of Glasgow is embarking on our biggest project of development in more than a century as we develop our campus to provide world-class facilities for our students and staff.

“I am also pleased, and proud, as someone who came to the UK from abroad and who believes that science and knowledge transcends national boundaries and borders that this honour has been bestowed upon me.”

Prof Muscatelli was born in Bari, Italy, and has both Italian and British citizenship.

He has been principal and vice-chancellor of the University of Glasgow since October 2009.

Prior to that, he held the same role at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh and various other posts at Glasgow.

He currently chairs the Scottish Government's Standing Council on Europe, a non-political group set up to provide advice to ministers on protecting Scotland's relationship with the EU.

He is also a member of their Council of Economic Advisers and, later this year, will assume the role of chair of the Russell Group of universities