The former Mayor of Bristol was appointed by the University of Bristol’s world-renowned Cabot Institute for the Environment as an Honorary Industrial Professor last year to support their research and impact agenda on cities and climate change.

Marvin's role further builds on existing work with partners in Bristol and across the globe to help cities address and adapt to the adverse consequences of climate change.

He will be working closely with researchers from all academic disciplines including climate policy and climate justice specialist Dr Alix Dietzel, who has been driving forward the just transition and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals with One City Partners.

Marvin, who was Mayor of Bristol from 2016 to 2024, was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2024 New Year Honours for services to local government.

On being appointed to the House of Lords, Marvin Rees said: “It is a real honour and privilege to be appointed to the House of Lords. It is really important to me that the role is locally connected as Bristol has so much to contribute.

"I want to be a champion for Bristol and the University, and be able to use my collaboration with the Cabot Institute to promote their expertise and help to solve some of the major environmental challenges we are facing and a national and international level."

University of Bristol alumna Thangam Debbonaire has also been appointed as a Life Peer to the House of Lords. She was the Labour MP for Bristol West from 2015 to 2024, and was Shadow Leader of the House of Commons and Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.

She gained an MSc in Management, Development and Social Responsibility at the University of Bristol before embarking on her distinguished career in politics.