Tullis Matson is receiving an honorary degree from Shropshire’s Harper Adams University during its 125th anniversary celebrations. Matson, who runs the charity Nature’s SAFE and Stallion Artificial Insemination Services, expressed being absolutely blown away by the recognition following a challenging education.
Tullis Matson Honored During Harper Adams University 125th Anniversary
Tullis Matson is among a cohort of seven individuals receiving awards from Shropshire’s Harper Adams University as the institution marks its 125th anniversary celebrations. Matson, who is from Whitchurch, runs the charity Nature’s SAFE alongside Stallion Artificial Insemination Services, a world-leading company that specialises in cryopreservation technology.
Reflecting on the honor, Matson shared that he left school at 16 years old with no qualifications
and faced significant hurdles due to being “very dyslexic” and struggling to read and write.
He noted that at school he was told he was going to be failure
and was afraid he wouldn't get anywhere.
“The journey through my education was really tough. So now to get this is quite incredible, I’m absolutely blown away.”
Tullis Matson
Cryogenic Preservation Work at Nature’s SAFE
Matson’s work in conservation focuses on preserving the genetic diversity of vulnerable wildlife. His charity, Nature’s SAFE, is described as a “bio bankthat freezes biological samples from hundreds of species in liquid nitrogen at –196°C to form a cryogenic
time capsule.” The initiative aims to save animals from extinction by protecting the genetic diversity of species and using technologies such as artificial insemination and in vitro fertilisation to keep healthy animal populations going.
The conservation effort spans cells from 200 endangered species, ranging from African elephants to Scotland’s wildcats. Nature’s SAFE has now stored biological samples from 400 species, some of which are critically endangered or extinct in the wild. In 2025, Matson’s conservation charity preserved and recreated “millions” of cell samples from a white rhino that had died at Whipsnade Zoo.
To be recognised with something you really believe in in the conservation world, using science and technology to try and help […], it doesn't get any better,
Matson said, adding that it re-emphasises that the work being done is the right thing after years of pushing the boundaries of science to make a difference.
The 16 September Graduation Ceremony and Honorary Cohort
The graduation ceremony on 16 September will feature Matson giving a speech to the students graduating alongside him. He views addressing the upcoming graduates as a significant responsibility.
“To be able to stand up in front of [them] and try and give them some guidance” is a big deal, he said, adding that the students “are our future.”
Tullis Matson
Harper Adams University, near Newport in Shropshire, focuses on agricultural and land-based degrees. In a statement, Harper Adams’ vice-chancellor, professor Ken Sloan, said he is “delighted” to see distinguished people
from Shropshire and specialist industries being recognised. The fact that this recognition comes at the start of our 125th birthday year makes them particularly special,
he said, adding that the university is looking forward to sustaining a close connection
with the honorary alumni in the years ahead.
Fellows and Honorees Recognized Across Disciplines
Alongside Matson, six other figures from agriculture, broadcasting, and leadership are receiving honours from the institution this month. Farmer and entrepreneur Olly Harrison is receiving an honorary degree for his popular YouTube channel that gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges of farming. Christine Tacon CBE is to receive a fellowship for her work, including her role as a director of the Co-Op Group and as the chair of the BBC Rural Affairs Committee. Agricultural scientist professor Grant Edwards, who is the vice-chancellor of Te Whare Wanaka o Aoraki Lincoln University, a specialist institution in New Zealand, is also receiving a fellowship.
The group receiving honorary doctorates includes Felicity Finch, who plays former Harper Adams student Ruth Archer on the BBC’s The Archers programme, whose character on the Radio Four drama first appeared in 1987. Comedian, actor and presenter Ed Byrne, who has been on television for three decades and studied horticulture at Strathclyde University, will also receive an honorary doctorate. Shropshire business leader John O’Brien MBE rounds out the group of seven, receiving an honour for founding Anthropy, a leadership platform that holds an annual gathering at the Eden Project to bring together people from across society to consider Britain’s role in the world and its future.
