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, natural historian, and author. He is most renowned for his groundbreaking nature documentary series, the 'Life' collection, produced in collaboration with the BBC Studios Natural History Unit. These comprehensive series offer an extensive exploration of animal and plant life across the globe. Attenborough's work has significantly raised awareness of environmental issues and the importance of conservation, making him a leading voice in promoting understanding and appreciation for the natural world.

Sections (5)

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

1970: Attenborough Awarded Honorary Degree by the University of Leicester

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

1980: Attenborough Named Honorary Fellow of Clare College, Cambridge

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

1980: Attenborough Honoured by the Open University

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

1982: Attenborough Receives Honorary Doctorate from Durham University

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

1984: Attenborough Receives Honorary Doctorate from University of Cambridge

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

1988: Attenborough Receives Honorary Doctorate from University of Oxford

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

1990: Attenborough Made 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

In 1995, David Attenborough presented The Private Life of Plants, which showed plants as dynamic organisms using time-lapse photography and earned a Peabody Award.

1997: Attenborough Receives Honorary Doctorate from University of Ghent

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

1998: Attenborough Named Honorary Fellow of Zoological Society of London

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

1999: Attenborough Named Honorary Fellow of the Linnean Society

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

2000: Attenborough Named Honorary Fellow of 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: Attenborough Named Among the 100 Greatest Britons

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

2006: UKTV Poll Asks Viewers for Favorite Attenborough Moments

In 2006, British television viewers were asked to vote for their Favourite Attenborough Moments for a UKTV poll to coincide with the broadcaster's 80th birthday. The winning clip showed Attenborough observing the mimicry skills of the superb lyrebird.

2006: Attenborough Named Most Trusted Celebrity in the UK

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

2006: Attenborough Brothers Receive Honorary Fellowships from 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: Attenborough Named Honorary Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries

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

2007: Attenborough Wins The Culture Show's Living Icon Award

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

2010: Attenborough Awarded Honorary Doctorates from Two Universities

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

January 2013: Attenborough Holds Record for Honorary Degrees

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

2013: Attenborough Made Honorary Freeman of the City of Bristol

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

2014: Attenborough Wins BAFTA Awards in Multiple Formats

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, David Attenborough was recognized by the United Nations Environment Programme as a Champion of the Earth.

2023: Attenborough Ranked Among Britain's Most Powerful Left-Wing Figures

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.