University professor from Golders Green David Latchman 'very pleased' to be handed CBE in Queen's birthday honours

Professor of Genetics David Latchman, of Gresham Gardens, is Master of Birkbeck College, at the University of London, and has received the investiture for his years of service to higher education.

The 54-year-old married father of one has been at the university since 2003 and said he never expected to receive a letter confirming he was to be offered the honour.

He said: “I am very pleased for me and for the university where I am head of the the genetics department.

“It is very rewarding working here and providing higher education for people who are older than the average university students by still want to study.

“A lot of people have been writing emails and sending letters to say congratulations which has been one of the nice things about it.”

Prof Latchman has held positions at other universities and colleges, and sat of national committees including the Lifelong Learning UK Council. In 2009 he was appointed by the Mayor of London Boris Johnson to serve on the London Skills and Employment Board and Promote London Council.

He has published work on genetics and molecular biology and fundraised more than £9 million whilst Dean at the Institute of Child Health.

He said: “When you are in senior position at universities one of the things we try and do is enhance the money from Government to help building projects or support students.

“With something like this, you never know which bit of what you do you have been honoured for, but is very nice to receive it.”

Chair of Governors at Birkbeck College, Lord Marshall of Knightsbridge said: “As Master, David has steered the College through some challenging times in recent years and is committed to seeing Birkbeck, its staff and students thrive going forward.

“We are lucky to have in David a dedicated, eloquent and passionate advocate of George Birkbeck's original mission to make higher education available to the working people of London."