78. Cranfield University Prize Winners’ Ceremony, 27 June 2023


On behalf of the Worshipful Company of Water Conservators and the Water Conservation Trust the Thames Warden Martin Bigg attended the annual Graduation ceremony at Cranfield University.  Individuals, businesses and City Livery Companies sponsor prizes at the University.  Along with the Armourers and Brasiers, and Fan Makers, we recognised the achievements of students on the various Master’s programmes run by the University.  The Winner of the Water Conservators’ Dissertation prize at Cranfield University this year was Sheriffa Griffiths* (pictured above, with Senior Lecturer in Water Governance, Heather Smith).

After the Ceremony, the University hosted the winners and guests to lunch.  It was very encouraging to hear the ideas and enthusiasm of the students and their desire to make a valuable contribution to a sustainable future.  I was interested to learn about research into “forever chemicals” including PFOS.  I also heard about the challenges facing universities on the recruitment of students and funding, and job opportunities and prospects for graduates.  These are issues for the Company and Trust to consider.

*Each year the Water Conservators through the Water Conservation Trust recognise the achievements of students at 15 universities and we distribute prizes at our Myddelton Lunch in January.  Unfortunately Sheriffa was unable to attend then so it was good to be able to recognise her achievement at her own university.

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