FORWARDS WP4 Lead Mariella Marzano Awarded an OBE for Services to Forestry
Congratulations to Dr. Mariella Marzano, FORWARDS WP4 Lead, awarded an OBE for her exceptional contribution to forestry and tree health research
Dr. Mariella Marzano, WP4 Lead of the FORWARDS project and forest researcher based in Peeblesshire, Scotland, has been awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her outstanding services to forestry, as announced in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2025.
The Birthday Honours recognise individuals across the UK for their exceptional achievements and service to the country — from community leaders to renowned experts in their fields.
Reacting to the award, Dr. Marzano said:
“This honour was unexpected but I’m obviously delighted. Although it might sound like a cliché, this isn’t just about me — it’s recognition of the colleagues I’ve worked with and the wider organisation, who’ve been an essential part of everything I’ve achieved at Forest Research.”
James Pendlebury, Chief Executive of Forest Research, commented:
“I’m absolutely delighted for Mariella. This recognition is richly deserved. Over her 18 years at Forest Research, she has pioneered innovative studies on the social dimensions of tree health, transforming policy approaches to managing pests and diseases. Her work has provided valuable insights into the decisions of landowners and woodland managers, leading Defra, the Scottish Government and the Forestry Commission to strengthen biosecurity and improve awareness of these threats.”
He added that Dr. Marzano “has built a significant body of published work, is a highly regarded collaborator nationally and internationally, and has been an active contributor to IUFRO for many years. She has also championed the role of women in science and fostered a vibrant and supportive research community.”
The FORWARDS team warmly congratulates Dr. Mariella Marzano on this well-deserved recognition of her remarkable contributions to forestry and social science.
