Oxford Brookes University

In 1999 Raymond was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Business Administration by Oxford Brookes University.

In October 2007 The UK's first dedicated centre for the study of food, drink and culture was launched at Oxford Brookes University.

Oxford Gastronomica draws together some of the most influential figures from the food and drinks worlds and academics from a variety of universities.

Oxford Gastronomica founder Donald Sloan, Head of Department for Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism Management at Oxford Brookes, says: "Oxford Gastronomica brings together people who share a desire to improve society's relationship with food and drink in pursuit of good health, environmental sustainability, social cohesion, and the maintenance of our distinctive culture."

Over 150 people from the industry attended the launch on 11 October at the Institute for Contemporary Arts in London including Oxford Gastronomica patron, Raymond Blanc OBE, who described the institute as 'exciting, timely and relevant.'

Activities planned include:

Education - both for industry professionals and the public. A new distance learning MA in Food, Drink and Culture, and a series of non-accredited short courses which engage a wide audience.

Extending understanding of food and drink issues through academic enquiry - becoming a hub for academics from around the world who share a concern for improving the quality of the food we eat.

Consultancy - working closely with business and public authorities to promote an ethical and sustainable approach to food production, supply and consumption.

Public events - a series of public lectures and discussions will be held throughout the year which place food and drink at the centre of our culture.

The Founding Patrons of Oxford Gastronomica are Raymond Blanc OBE, Robert Cook, Sheila Dillon, Geraldene Holt, Ken Hom, Lauraine Jacobs, Madhur Jaffrey, Peter Kindersley, Prue Leith OBE, Paul Levy, Jill Norman, Michael Radomir, Craig Sams, Professor Graham Upton and Tom Wright CBE.

The University of West London

On 1 April 2011, Raymond Blanc OBE was made an Honorary Professor of The University of West London.