University Medal: Raphael Vermeir CBE
Citation by Professor Ineke De Moortel FRSE, Master of the United College
Tuesday 2 December 2025 – afternoon ceremony
Vice-Chancellor, it is my privilege to present Raphael Vermeir CBE for the University Medal.
The University Medal is a prestigious accolade which affirms our commitment to excellence and celebrates an individual’s outstanding contribution to the University of St Andrews – Raphael Vermeir very much fits both of these statements.
Born in Belgium, Raphael graduated in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering from the Ecole Polytechnique in Brussels. He subsequently completed Master of Science degrees in engineering and management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
From 1979 to 2003, Raphael worked in engineering and managerial roles at ConocoPhillips. These were followed by senior executive roles, firstly as Head of External Affairs between 2003 and 2011, then President of Operations in Nigeria between 2011 and 2014, and finally Vice-President of Government Affairs International until 2015. Notably, during this period, Raphael led the industry’s international response to the Macondo (or Deepwater Horizon) environmental disaster.
Raphael’s professional expertise and achievements have been recognised across the industry. He is a Fellow of the Energy Institute and the Royal Institute of Naval Architects. Raphael was a member of the Board of Directors of Oil Spill Response Limited and, from 2008 to 2011, was Chair of the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers. In 2002 he became President of the international humanitarian relief organisation Malteser International, having previously served as a board member. The organisation helps to improve the health and living conditions of suffering and displaced people in over 35 countries worldwide. Raphael is the current Lead Independent Director of Eni, an Italian energy company, a role which he has held since 2021.
In recognition of his outstanding achievements and services to the energy industry, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2008.
In St Andrews, Raphael was instrumental in shaping and sustaining the St Andrews Prize for the Environment from its establishment in 1998, including serving as a judge from 2012 to 2021. The St Andrews Prize for the Environment is a prestigious international initiative, integral to the University’s Environmental Sustainability theme. The Prize recognises innovative, practical solutions to environmental challenges and, since its inception, the Prize has disbursed more than 2.5 million US dollars in awards, benefiting over 70 projects worldwide.
Scheduled for its 27th edition to take place in March 2026, Raphael has played a pivotal part in ensuring the ongoing success and expansion of the Prize. As an institution, we are immensely proud of the success of the Prize and thankful to Raphael for his contributions and efforts in creating the Prize and shaping what it is today.
On a more personal note, Raphael and his wife Federica have three children and they are proud parents of one of our alumni – their son, Tommy, was awarded a Master’s degree in International Relations and Management by the University in 2017. We are delighted that Federica and Tommy are with us for today’s ceremony.
Tommy, you possibly did not expect to be back in the Younger Hall quite so soon and to see your father on this stage.
Vice-Chancellor, in recognition of his major contribution to the University of St Andrews in the establishment and development of the St Andrews Prize for the Environment, I invite you to present Raphael Vermeir CBE with the University Medal.