Tullis Matson, founder of the wildlife conservation charity Nature's SAFE, described receiving an honorary degree from Harper Adams University as the "highlight" of his year. Matson is one of seven individuals being honored by the university as part of its 125th-anniversary celebrations.
Matson, who has a history of dyslexia and left school with no formal qualifications, expressed his elation at the recognition. "The journey through my education was really tough," he stated. "So now to get this is quite incredible, I'm absolutely blown away."
Nature's SAFE, which Matson runs from Whitchurch, focuses on freezing cells from endangered animals to create a cryogenic "time capsule." The charity has stored biological samples from 400 species, some of which are extinct in the wild or critically endangered. The organization aims to combat extinction by preserving genetic diversity and utilizing technologies like artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization to maintain healthy animal populations.
"To be recognised with something you really believe in in the conservation world, using science and technology to try and help [...], it doesn't get any better," Matson said, emphasizing the importance of his work. "It re-emphasises that the work we're doing is the right thing."
He also founded and leads Stallion Artificial Insemination Services, a company specializing in cryopreservation technology. Matson recalled being told in school that he would be a "failure" and feared he "wouldn't get anywhere." He added, "So this is fantastic. It really is. It means everything to me."
The graduation ceremony is scheduled for September 16, where Matson is expected to address the graduating students. "To be able to stand up in front of [them] and try and give them some guidance" is significant, he noted.
Among the other individuals receiving honorary degrees are comedian Ed Byrne, actress Felicity Finch, farmer and entrepreneur Olly Harrison, former Co-Op Group director Christine Tacon CBE, agricultural scientist Professor Grant Edwards, and Shropshire business leader John O'Brien MBE. Each is recognized for their respective contributions in fields ranging from entertainment and agriculture to science and business leadership.
In a statement, Harper Adams Vice-Chancellor Professor Ken Sloan expressed delight in honoring "distinguished people" from Shropshire and specialist industries, noting the special significance of the recognition during the university's 125th anniversary year.