Dr. Rebecca Cliffe received the Honorary Award of  Doctor of Science from Swansea University

On July 25, the founder and executive director of The Sloth Conservation Foundation, Dr. Rebecca Cliffe, was awarded the honorary title of ‘Doctor of Science’ by Swansea University in Wales, in recognition of her groundbreaking work in research and conservation.

Dr. Cliffe received her bachelor’s degree in Zoology from the University of Manchester. She later earned her PhD in Bioscience from Swansea University, where she conducted the longest recorded study on wild sloth ecology.

What is an Honorary degree?

Honorary degrees are among the most prestigious awards a university can grant. These awards are a distinguished recognition that universities provide to notable individuals who have made significant scholarly achievements, specialized contributions, or advancements in knowledge within a particular field.

Honorary doctorate degrees celebrate exceptional accomplishments and contributions to society. In Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the countries of the Commonwealth, such as Australia and India, the degree of Doctor of Science (DSc or ScD) is one of the Higher Doctorates. Congratulations, Dr. Becky!

Dr Cliffe Speech

“It feels like just yesterday I was sitting where you are now – I was graduating and I knew I wanted to work with sloths. But I didnt know how to get there. There was no path to follow. And I didn’t know the next steps to take

Then, 12 years ago, my life changed forever when someone here from Swansea University took a chance on me. Professor Rory Wilson agreed to supervise my PhD project, a somewhat unconventional plan to study sloths in the jungles of Costa Rica

His belief in my vision, along with the support from Swansea University, opened doors I never imagined possible.

So, to Professor Rory Wilson and Swansea University, thank you. Thank you for believing in my potential, for supporting me through my journey, and for giving me this incredible honor.

And to everyone here graduating today, if I can offer you one piece of advice, it is this: be brave.
if you have a dream, be fearless in your pursuit of it. It doesn’t matter how far-fetched it may seem or if there is no clear path to follow—you can create your own path. You can do things your own way. If people say you can’t do it, show them that you can. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other and solving one problem after another, and you will find your way..

I vividly remember sitting in the bioscience lab here at Swansea University – I was supposed to be writing my PhD thesis but instead I was c typing into Google, “how to start a charity.” I had no idea what I was doing – I still don’t a lot of the time! – but within a few short years that charity grew to be the biggest organisation in the world for sloths, and I am so proud to now be leading a team that is making a real difference.

And you can make a difference too. The world needs your ideas, your innovations, and your passion. You are the next generation of leaders, creators, and change-makers. What you do next will shape the future, so make it count, be brave, and good luck!

Thank you!”