NEW DELHI, March 26, 2025: The University of Reading has conferred its prestigious Distinguished Fellowship upon Alison Barrett MBE, Country Director for the British Council in India, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to strengthening UK-India educational partnerships.
The award was presented during a special ceremony at the University’s networking reception in New Delhi, which brought together academic leaders, alumni, and stakeholders as part of Reading’s strategic delegation visit to India.
Alison Barrett MBE, who earned her Bachelor of Arts with Joint Honours in English and History from the University of Reading (1991-1994), has played a pivotal role in fostering educational collaboration between the UK and India throughout her career at the British Council.
Upon receiving the award, Barrett said: “I’ am deeply honoured to receive a Distinguished Fellowship from the University of Reading, where I spent my formative years as a curious student 30 years ago. That same curiosity and passion for lifelong learning continue to drive me today. In many ways, I feel like I have come full circle, and I am privileged to be able to give back through fostering knowledge exchange, championing learning, and advocating for sustainable solutions in my role at the British Council India. This is a reminder that education is not just about where we begin, but how we continue to grow, connect, and make a difference.”
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The Distinguished Fellowship recognises individuals who have made exceptional contributions to education and international collaboration, demonstrating values aligned with the University of Reading’s mission.
Dr. Caroline Baylon, Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) at the University of Reading, said: “We are delighted to recognise Alison’s remarkable achievements with this Distinguished Fellowship. As both an alumna and a champion for UK-India educational partnerships, Alison exemplifies the impact that Reading graduates can have on the global stage. Her work has created pathways for knowledge exchange and collaborative innovation that benefit both countries.”
The ceremony took place during Reading’s delegation visit led by Dr. Baylon, which includes representatives from the University’s UK campus and its global locations in South Africa and Malaysia. The delegation is meeting with key educational institutions, government bodies, and industry partners across Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru to explore collaboration opportunities in research, student exchange, and academic partnerships.
The University of Reading, established in 1892 and receiving its Royal Charter in 1926, is a world-class research-intensive university ranked among the top 200 in the world with a growing international presence.
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