Alastair Revell has been awarded the degree of Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) by the University of Plymouth in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Computer Science Education and the IT profession. The honorary doctorate was conferred during the University's graduation ceremonies in October 2025, placing him among a distinguished group of individuals whose achievements have made a significant impact within their respective fields.
The award recognises a career spanning more than four decades in technology, professional leadership and public service. As the founder and Managing Consultant of Revell Research Systems, established in 1985, Alastair has provided independent management and technology consultancy to organisations across the United Kingdom and beyond. Throughout that time, he has remained a passionate advocate for professionalism, competence and ethical practice in computing and digital technology.
Beyond his work in consultancy, Alastair has played a significant role in shaping professional standards within the IT sector. Since becoming Director General of the Institution of Analysts and Programmers in 2011, he has been influential in the development of professional standards relating to software, digital technologies and cyber security. He has also contributed to national initiatives designed to strengthen governance, accountability and public trust in technology and those who develop and manage it.
His leadership within the wider profession has been equally notable. Alastair served as the 64th President of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, during 2024/25 and has held board-level positions with BCS, the UK Engineering Council, the Institution of Analysts and Programmers and the Trustworthy Software Foundation. Through these roles he has consistently championed the value of chartered and professionally registered practitioners working in technology, computing and digital disciplines.
One of his most significant recent initiatives has been the creation of Chartered Week, a national awareness campaign celebrating the contribution made by chartered professionals across all disciplines. The campaign brings together professional bodies from across the United Kingdom to promote the importance of competence, ethics and service to the public interest, reinforcing the role that professional standards play in modern society.
Alastair Revell, Doctor of Science (honoris causa) with Professor Bogdan Ghita (left) and The Lord Kestenbaum, Chancellor, University of Plymouth (right).
Alastair's relationship with the University of Plymouth spans many years and reflects a longstanding commitment to supporting computing education. He established the Revell Research Systems Prize in 2006 to recognise the top computing graduate each year and was instrumental in creating the Institution of Analysts and Programmers Prize for the Best Software Project in 2008. Both awards continue to be presented annually and have recognised some of the University's most accomplished computing graduates.
In receiving the honorary doctorate, Alastair emphasised the importance of professionalism within the technology sector. He noted that as society becomes increasingly dependent upon software, digital systems and artificial intelligence, there is a growing need for highly competent and ethical practitioners whose expertise can be trusted by the public, employers and policymakers alike.
The honour was especially meaningful because it coincided with several important milestones. The award was presented during the fortieth anniversary year of Revell Research Systems and at a time when the Revell Research Systems Prize had reached its twentieth presentation. Reflecting on the award, Alastair described the recognition as a complete surprise and expressed particular pride in its connection to his longstanding efforts to improve professionalism within the IT industry.
The University cited Alastair's outstanding contribution to Computer Science Education and the IT profession as the basis for the award. This reflects not only his professional achievements but also his commitment to education, mentoring, standards development and the advancement of computing as a respected profession. Through his advocacy and leadership, he has helped shape conversations about competence, accountability and ethical conduct at a national level.
The honorary Doctor of Science degree therefore represents a fitting recognition of a career dedicated to strengthening the computing profession and promoting excellence within technology. It acknowledges Alastair Revell's lasting contribution to professional standards, computing education and public trust in technology, while celebrating the impact of work that has influenced practitioners, organisations and professional bodies across the United Kingdom and beyond.
