David Attenborough's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of David Attenborough.

Sir David Attenborough is a highly influential British broadcaster, biologist, and natural historian. Renowned for his captivating nature documentaries, particularly the BBC's "Life" collection, he has dedicated his career to exploring and documenting the Earth's diverse flora and fauna. His work has not only educated millions about the natural world but also raised awareness of critical environmental issues, making him a prominent voice in conservation efforts. Attenborough's contributions have significantly shaped public understanding of biology and the importance of preserving our planet.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1970: Honorary Doctor of Letters degree by the University of Leicester

In 1970, David Attenborough was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters degree by the University of Leicester.

1980: Honorary Fellow from Clare College, Cambridge

In 1980, David Attenborough received the title Honorary Fellow from Clare College, Cambridge.

1980: Honored by the Open University

In 1980, David Attenborough was honored by the Open University, with which he has had a close association throughout his career.

1982: Honorary Doctor of Science from Durham University

In 1982, David Attenborough received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Durham University.

1984: Honorary Doctor of Science from Cambridge University

In 1984, David Attenborough received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from the University of Cambridge.

1988: Honorary Doctor of Philosophy from Oxford University

In 1988, David Attenborough received an honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Oxford.

1990: Honorary Freeman of the City of Leicester

In 1990, David Attenborough was made an honorary Freeman of the City of Leicester.

1995: The Private Life of Plants Release

In 1995, David Attenborough released 'The Private Life of Plants', which used time-lapse photography to showcase plants as dynamic organisms and earned a Peabody Award.

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1997: Honorary Doctor of Philosophy from Ghent University

In 1997, David Attenborough received an honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Ghent.

1998: Honorary Fellow from the Zoological Society of London

In 1998, David Attenborough received the title Honorary Fellow from the Zoological Society of London.

1999: Honorary Fellow from the Linnean Society

In 1999, David Attenborough received the title Honorary Fellow from the Linnean Society.

2000: Honorary Fellow from the Institute of Biology

In 2000, David Attenborough received the title Honorary Fellow from the Institute of Biology (now the Royal Society of Biology).

2002: Among the 100 Greatest Britons

In 2002, David Attenborough was named among the 100 Greatest Britons in a BBC poll.

2006: Most trusted celebrity

In 2006, David Attenborough was named the most trusted celebrity in the UK in a Reader's Digest poll.

2006: Distinguished Honorary Fellows of the University of Leicester

In 2006, the two eldest Attenborough brothers returned to their home city to receive the title of Distinguished Honorary Fellows of the University of Leicester, "in recognition of a record of continuing distinguished service to the University."

2007: Honorary Fellow from the Society of Antiquaries

In 2007, David Attenborough received the title Honorary Fellow from the Society of Antiquaries.

2007: The Culture Show's Living Icon Award

In 2007, David Attenborough won The Culture Show's Living Icon Award.

2010: Honorary Doctorates from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and Nottingham Trent University

In 2010, David Attenborough was awarded Honorary Doctorates from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and Nottingham Trent University.

January 2013: Collected 32 honorary degrees

By January 2013, David Attenborough had collected 32 honorary degrees from British universities, more than any other person.

2013: Honorary Freeman of the City of Bristol

In 2013, David Attenborough was made an Honorary Freeman of the City of Bristol.

2014: BAFTA Awards in black and white, color, high-definition and 3D

As of 2014, David Attenborough was the only person to have won BAFTA Awards for programmes in black and white, colour, high-definition and 3D.

2022: Champion of the Earth

In 2022, the United Nations Environment Programme recognized Attenborough as a Champion of the Earth for his dedication to research, documentation, and advocacy for the protection and restoration of nature.

2023: Named invaluable to green diplomacy

In 2023, David Attenborough was described by the New Statesman as a figure "invaluable to green diplomacy" in the UK, placing him twenty-third in their list of Britain's most powerful left-wing figures.