Engineering and sustainability leader Professor Anusha Shah awarded honorary degree

Former Institution of Civil Engineers President recognised with honorary degree at summer graduation

An internationally recognised leader in engineering and sustainability has been awarded an honorary degree by Abertay University at its Summer Graduation Ceremony on Friday 10 July 2026.

Professor Anusha Shah was awarded the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science in recognition of her contribution to climate resilience and sustainable development.

She has spent more than 26 years working at the intersection of infrastructure, nature and society, helping organisations and governments respond to the growing challenges posed by climate change.

She is Founder and Chief Executive of Plan for Earth and previously served as Global Senior Director for Climate, Water and Nature at Arcadis, where she led international climate and resilience strategies and initiatives. Her work has focused on helping organisations and governments respond to the increasing risks posed by climate change through long-term, sustainable approaches to infrastructure and development.

Accepting the award, Professor Shah said:

It was a pleasure to be in Dundee for the first time, and to experience the warmth for which the city is renowned. Where I grew up in Kashmir, nature shaped me personally, professionally and spiritually. My Islamic faith reminds me that we are not owners of this Earth, but its stewards, entrusted with its care for the brief time we are here. Climate change is no longer a distant threat but a reality we are experiencing today. It demands a new kind of leadership. Abertay has shown that creativity and technology are at their best when they are used to solve real-world challenges. That is why I am honoured to receive this award, and to join the Abertay family.

In 2023, Professor Shah became the 159th President of the Institution of Civil Engineers, becoming the first person of colour and only the third woman to hold the position in the organisation's 205-year history. 

Alongside her professional achievements, Professor Shah has held a range of public and voluntary leadership roles. She has served as a Non-Executive Director of the UK Met Office and is currently a Trustee of Green Alliance. She also recently joined the partnership board of CyanLines, a project which aims to create more than 100 miles of blue-green infrastructure across Greater Manchester.

Professor Liz Bacon, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Abertay University, said

Professor Shah's career demonstrates the vital role that engineering, innovation and collaboration play in addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges. Her leadership has helped shape international thinking on climate resilience and sustainable development, while her commitment to inclusion has opened doors for future generations of engineers and environmental leaders. We are proud to recognise her achievements and delighted to welcome her to the Abertay family. 

More than 750 students graduated alongside Abertay's honorary graduates during the ceremony, which celebrated achievements across the University's academic faculties.