Catz Fellow Honoured as Companion of Operational Research for Science Communication Excellence

The Operational Research Society has named Catz Fellow by Special Election in Management, Dr. Duncan Robertson, a Companion of Operational Research, recognising his outstanding contributions to science communication during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

Dr. Robertson has built a distinguished career spanning academia, industry, and public engagement. His work focuses on complexity science and agent-based modelling, with practical applications ranging from corporate strategy to pandemic response.

Dr. Robertson rose to national prominence during the COVID-19 crisis, becoming a trusted voice across major media platforms—including BBC, Sky News, CNBC, and Talk TV—for his clear and insightful interpretations of complex data and models. Over the course of more than 100 weeks, he gave regular interviews on BBC local radio, helping the public understand the evolving science and policy landscape.

In addition to his media presence, Dr. Robertson played a key role in coordinating the OR Society’s contribution to the Royal Society’s RAMP initiative, supporting evidence-based decision-making during the pandemic. As a member of Independent SAGE since 2022, he has continued to champion participatory, community-focused approaches to public health.

From advising global companies to shaping public discourse, Dr. Robertson’s work exemplifies the power of Operational Research to address urgent societal challenges.