Steve Backshall MBE Takes Up Honorary Professor Role at Bangor 2026

Key Points

• Television wildlife presenter, naturalist and explorer Steve Backshall MBE has been appointed an Honorary Professor at Bangor University.
• The honorary professorship is in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Bangor University and its students.
• Backshall is a BAFTA award-winning television presenter famous for shows including Deadly 60, Expedition and Blue Planet Live. He has been a visiting lecturer in the School of Environmental and Natural Sciences since 2020.
• He has delivered lectures to hundreds of Bangor University students and members of the general public covering a wide range of topics, such as venom, sharks, snakes, wildlife conservation, and what it’s really like working in wildlife film production.
• He has led students snorkelling off the coast of Anglesey and wildlife safaris around the North Wales coastline.
• He has organised visits for students to Chester Zoo, as well as unique behind-the-scenes encounters for Bangor students as part of his live arena tour.
• Steve was a published scientific author together with Bangor academics following a world-first observation made during the making of one of his documentaries in Suriname concerning the relationship between giant cowbirds and South American tapirs.
• Steve was awarded an Honorary Degree by Bangor University for services to education in 2023.

Bangor (Wales Times) August 20, 2026 – TV wildlife presenter, naturalist and explorer Steve Backshall MBE has been appointed an Honorary Professor at uk/local/bangor/">Bangor University, recognising his exceptional contribution to the University and its students.

The BAFTA-winning presenter, best known for programmes including Deadly 60, Expedition and Blue Planet Live, joined Bangor University’s teaching team in 2020 and has since become a regular visitor to the University. Over that time, he has given lectures to hundreds of students and members of the public in Bangor, on subjects ranging from venom, sharks and snakes to wildlife conservation and the realities of working in the wildlife filmmaking industry.

During his time with Bangor University, Steve has taken students snorkelling off the coast of Anglesey and wildlife spotting along the North Wales coast. He has also hosted opportunities for Bangor students at Chester Zoo and arranged exclusive backstage experiences for students during his live arena tour. In a further development, Steve became a published scientific author with Bangor academics after making a world-first observation while filming a documentary in Suriname on the relationship between giant cowbirds and South American tapirs.

What did Steve Backshall say about his appointment at Bangor University?

“Bangor is a very special place to me,” said Steve, who was also awarded an honorary degree by Bangor University for services to education in 2023. “The University has fantastic expertise in the environmental and natural sciences, but what really stands out whenever I visit is the enthusiasm of the students and staff.

“How could you not be enthusiastic about Bangor University though? The lecturers are passionate, the research is world-leading, and the location is the best in the UK for anyone interested in the natural world.

“I’m absolutely delighted to become an Honorary Professor at Bangor University.”

Steve added:

“I’ve loved being able to spend time with students over the past few years, whether that’s been in a lecture theatre, out on the water or talking about wildlife and conservation. I’m very proud to be part of the Bangor community and I’m looking forward to doing even more together.”

How did Bangor University’s School of Environmental and Natural Sciences respond?

Professor Christian Dunn, Head of the School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, said: “It’s a real privilege to welcome Steve as an Honorary Professor, we’re incredibly lucky to have him as part of our School.

“Steve is obviously one of the best-known wildlife presenters in the country, but what people might not see is just how generous he is with his time and knowledge. He genuinely cares about our students. He comes to Bangor, gives lectures, takes students into the field and creates opportunities for them that they simply wouldn’t normally get.

“Our students grew up watching Steve and were inspired by him to study zoology, conservation and the natural sciences. Over the past few years he has met and inspired hundreds of them here at Bangor.

“He’s also an extremely knowledgeable naturalist. The fact that we have now published scientific research together shows the breadth of what Steve brings to the University. He is a fantastic ambassador and advocate for Bangor and I’m delighted that he has accepted this new role.”

What will Steve Backshall’s role as Honorary Professor involve?

Steve Backshall’s appointment as Honorary Professor will continue his long-standing relationship with Bangor University and the School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, supporting teaching, research, public engagement and opportunities for students. The new role builds on a relationship that stretches back several years, during which he has moved from a visiting lecturer to a central figure within the School’s teaching and student life.

When was Steve Backshall first connected to Bangor University?

Steve Backshall’s connection to Bangor University predates this appointment. In July 2023, he received an honorary degree from the University for services to education, having earlier been named among 11 honorary graduands drawn from the worlds of science, law, sport, the arts and popular culture. At that time, he was already an honorary lecturer teaching students about conservation, zoology and the wildlife filming industry, with his lectures described as among the most popular at the University.

In November 2023, hundreds of Bangor University students attended a lecture by the naturalist and explorer on wildlife conservation, after he performed his sell-out theatre show Ocean at Venue Cymru in Llandudno. More recently, in June 2026, Bangor University students attended Steve Backshall Live at Chester Zoo, where the award-winning presenter brought the world of sharks to life through storytelling, scientific insight and real-world experiences.

How has Steve Backshall engaged with students in the field?

Beyond the lecture theatre, Steve has taken students snorkelling at Porth Trecastell on Anglesey and joined them on wildlife spotting trips along the North Wales coast. These field experiences have been highlighted by the University as central to his role in inspiring the next generation of environmental scientists and explorers.

Background

Steve Backshall MBE is one of television’s best-known wildlife presenters, naturalists, writers and adventurers. He is best known for programmes including Deadly 60, Expedition and Blue Planet Live, and has presented a wide range of natural history content over a career spanning more than two decades. He was awarded an MBE in 2019 for services to wildlife broadcasting and conservation.

His relationship with Bangor University began in 2020, when he joined the University’s teaching team as an honorary lecturer. He was awarded an honorary degree by the University in 2023 for services to education, and has since become an honorary senior lecturer in the School of Environmental and Natural Sciences. His lectures on conservation, zoology and the wildlife filming industry have been among the most popular at the University, with plans previously reported for live feeds from his filming locations and field trips.

The School of Environmental and Natural Sciences at Bangor University has a strong reputation for environmental and natural science research and teaching, and Steve has described himself as fortunate to be part of the School. His appointment as Honorary Professor marks the latest step in this long-standing relationship, building on his published scientific work with Bangor academics.

Prediction: How This Appointment Could Affect Students and the University

The appointment of Steve Backshall as Honorary Professor is expected to have a significant impact on students within the School of Environmental and Natural Sciences at Bangor University. Based on his established pattern of engagement, students can expect continued access to field experiences such as snorkelling trips off Anglesey, wildlife spotting along the North Wales coast and exclusive opportunities at venues such as Chester Zoo. His lectures, already among the most popular at the University, are likely to remain a draw for prospective students considering studying zoology, conservation and the natural sciences.

For the University, the appointment strengthens its public profile and its ability to attract students interested in environmental and natural sciences. Steve’s status as one of the best-known wildlife presenters in the country, combined with his published scientific research with Bangor academics, positions him as a visible ambassador for the School. The role is expected to support teaching, research and public engagement, and could enhance the University’s reputation as a leading destination for environmental and natural science education in the UK.