17.03.22

Former Head of the BBC Studios Natural History Unit appointed Honorary Professor

Categories: School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology
Six zebras walking through grassland

Julian Hector, the Former Head of the BBC Studios Natural History Unit has become an Honorary Professor on MA Wildlife Documentary Production, an MA co-delivered by the School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology and the School of Science, Engineering and Environment.

The Multiple BAFTA and EMMY award-winning programme maker will become an incredible asset to the University鈥檚 MA Wildlife Documentary Production, sharing his knowledge and expertise after three decades working at the BBC.

During this time as head, he oversaw some of the BBC鈥檚 Flagship Wildlife Series including Blue Planet II, Planet Earth II, Dynasties, Seven Worlds One Planet and most recently, The Green Planet.

Working for many years with Sir David Attenborough who described him as 鈥渙ne of the most inventive producers in radio鈥, Julian oversaw unprecedented commercial success and influence across the globe.

On his appointment, Julian said: 鈥淚鈥檓 so proud to be appointed Honorary Professor in the School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology, home to the University鈥檚 master鈥檚 in Wildlife Documentary Production.

鈥淎ll my professional life I have championed the natural world, both as a scientist, university teacher and producer - and always to give wildlife a voice through story telling. And I have always wanted the greatest variety of voices and perspectives to be given opportunity to tell the stories of nature their way.  

鈥淭he natural world is everyone鈥檚 and everyone must grab this moment to share the joy, cultural value and sheer existence of nature - and it desperately needs us. The 海角乱伦 is a beacon of diversity and inclusion and from where great talent is cultured and liberated.  I鈥檓 here to help where I can bring the universities life sciences together with the disciplines of communication, leadership and content production.鈥



Senior Lecturer in Media Practice and Programme Leader in MA Wildlife Documentary Production, Maire Tracey, said: 鈥淲e are absolutely thrilled that Professor Hector will be bringing his expertise, gravitas and guidance to MA Wildlife Documentary Production. To have such an icon in Wildlife story-telling and an expert in the wildlife documentary industry working with the staff and students at 海角乱伦 is incredibly exciting.

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