Nigel Davies, technical and sustainability director at malt producer Muntons, has been appointed as Honorary Associate Professor at Nottingham University, School of Biosciences.

The appointment is in recognition of Nigel’s extensive teaching contribution within the university, where he lectures on the likes of malting, brewing science, speciality malts, malt sensory analysis and waste processing and sustainability in malting, brewing and distilling.

Davies has also spearheaded the establishment of farmer support groups focused on sustainable agriculture and coined the phrase ‘practical sustainability’.

Commenting on the appointment, Davies said: “When the news came through, I was somewhat overwhelmed. Passing on my knowledge and experience to the students just seemed the obvious thing to do. I had no idea that I would be rewarded in this way.”

He added that it was essential for malting, brewing and distilling companies to engage with students, many of whom work in the industry and are taking the courses as part of advanced education.

“It helps them to understand the challenges we face and how the many different disciplines coordinate to achieve continual improvement,” Davies added. “The students are always highly receptive to those who have a manufacturing background and especially those who have started in technical disciplines and developed their experience into higher-level business roles.”

In December last year, Mark Tyldesley was promoted to managing director at Muntons.