The University of Edinburgh has awarded twelve honorary degrees and awards at the recent winter graduation ceremonies.
The ceremonies took place last week, between the 20 and 28 of November 2024. The recipients of these awards represented a wide range of fields, including medicine, sports, law, and palaeontology.
During the ceremonies, which were held at McEwan Hall, the Principal’s Medal and University Benefactor awards were also distributed to those that had served the University or the wider community in an exceptional way.
Six people were awarded honorary degrees. Dugald Alexander Ross received a Doctor of Science. Ross is the founder of the Staffin Fossil Museum on the Isle of Skye and was instrumental in preserving Skye’s Jurassic history, leading to the celebration of Skye as the “Dinosaur Capital of the UK.”
Hew Locke, a British-Guyanese sculptor, was awarded a Doctor honoris causa. Born in Edinburgh, he recently created work for the Tate Britain and Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Vanessa Nakate was awarded a Doctor of Science in Social Science. Nakate was a climate justice activist and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador who began her work in Uganda and founded the Rise Up Movement.
Naeema Yaqoob Sajid, the Director of Diversity + and co-founder of the Scottish Ethnic Minorities Lawyers Association, was awarded a Doctor of Laws. She has fought for equality in the legal sector and the Justice System.
Professor Stuart J Reid, was awarded a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery. Reid is a Principal of the Royal Veterinary College and a specialist in veterinary epidemiology.
Michael Dye, a former technician in the School of Biological Sciences, was honoured with a Bachelor of Science degree in recognition of over 50 years of service at the University.
George Richards, the director of Community Jameel was made a Benefactor of the University. Following the creation of the Jameel Observatory for Food Security Early Action, aiming to assist those living in the drylands, affected by climate disasters.
The Principal’s Medal was awarded to several individuals who delivered extraordinary service to the university or within the community.
Archie Goodburn, an elite swimmer, and University alumni received the Principal’s Medal for his services to sport. Goodburn is a British Champion who competed in the Commonwealth Games.
Professor Sarah Cunningham-Burley, from the Usher Institute received a medal for her innovative and collaborative work in medicine and sociology.
Edinburgh Innovations Student Enterprise team, receive a medal for their entrepreneurial talent and approaches to global challenges.
The university’s Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Team received a medal for supporting educational opportunities across Africa, whilst Mark Kobine, a specialist technician at Edinburgh College of Art, received a medal for his work in Digital Making.
“Edinburgh University Graudates at McEwan Hall” by thisisedinburgh is licensed under CC BY 2.0.