For his considerable contribution in the field of pharmacognosy, through the isolation, characterisation and biological evaluations of natural (plant-derived) compounds. He is also a distinguished alumus of the University of Bradford, graduating in Pharmacy in 1969.
For his work as an academic publisher, businessman and charity worker. Sir Nigel Farrow founded the Gower Press now part of the Ashgate Publishing Group and works closely with the University of Bradford Department of Peace studies. In 2005 Sir Nigel founded a charitable trust and was later knighted for his charitable services to Africa.