Professor Jacqueline Lo has been honoured with a prestigious French Ordre des Palmes academiques (Order of Academic Palms) award for her work to in promoting French-Australian relations through research and education.

Former French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin was on hand when Professor Lo was presented with the award at a ceremony at University House.

“I’m deeply honoured and humbled by this award, and am particularly grateful for Mr Jospin’s attendance,” said Professor Lo, who is Director of the ANU Centre for European Studies in the College of Arts and Social Science.

“There are times when it feels like Europe is taken for granted, much as one does with a long-standing beloved.

“With so much attention on Asia, we can sometimes forget the importance of Europe in this region.”

The Ordre des Palmes academiques is an order of Chivalry awarded to distinguished academics who have made significant contributions to French culture and education.

Professor Lo is the third Australian to receive the award following historian Dr Edward Duyker and author Jane Zemiro in 2000.