The University is accepting new nominations for consideration by the Honorary Degrees Committee from any member of the University or person associated with it.
In particular, it welcomes proposals that reflect the cultural diversity and international character of the University and promotes its commitment to gender equality.
The committee has awarded Honorary Degrees to hundreds of people, both local and international, ranging in specialism from business professionals to actors, Nobel Prize winners and sports personalities.
Here are some examples of previous recipients:
Justin King, Chief Executive of Sainsburys (Business & Industry )
Mr King, a University of Bath BSc in Business Administration alumnus, began his career running a chocolate bar production line for Mars Confectionary before going on to become Director in Egypt for Pepsi International, Managing Director UK with Haagen Dazs ice cream, then several senior roles with Asda, before becoming Director of Food with Marks & Spencer. Mr King received his Doctor of Business Administration degree in 2009.
Sir Martin Evans, Nobel Prize winner (Scientists & Academics)
Sir Martin Evans pioneered research into stem cells, an area of research with crucial importance for health, in which human cells are created in an attempt to cure diseases such as diabetes and Parkinson’s Disease. In 1981 he found that stem cells derived from mouse embryos could be reintroduced into embryos and would contribute to their development. This discovery opened up the important area of stem cells to researchers across the world.
Sir Martin later showed that the disease cystic fibrosis might be cured using an approach based on stem cells. He was awarded the degree of Doctor of Science in 2005. In 2007, Sir Martin Evans was awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine.
Sir Terry Pratchett, author (Arts)
Sir Terry Pratchett is one of the most popular British authors of the last decade and one of the few who has topped the adult and children’s bestseller lists at the same time. He has used his highly creative imagination and literary skills to create his Discworld series of novels over the past 20 years. Mr Pratchett worked as a journalist on the Western Daily Press and Bath Chronicle and was a publicity officer for the Central Electricity Generating Board when his first Discworld novel was published in 1983. He received his Doctor of Letters degree in 2003.
Dr Stephanie Cook MBE, Olympic gold medallist (Public service & sport)
Dr Stephanie Cook MBE, an Olympic gold medallist and World Champion who reached the summit of her sport without sacrificing her long-standing aspiration for a career in medicine. She was awarded an honorary Doctor of Medicine in 2008.
John Grimshaw, founder of Sustrans (Local)
John Grimshaw spent 30 years working on promoting cycling in the UK. First by setting up a campaign group in Bristol in 1977 and then moving on to direct delivery of practical projects including the 25km Bristol and Bath railway path. He set up, and is now President of Sustrans, as well as being Special Advisor to Cycling England. John Grimshaw of Sustrans was awarded an honorary Doctor of Engineering in 2008.
Anyone who fits in to the following categories can be considered for honorary degree nominations:
- Academics with an international reputation who have an existing or potential academic link with the University
- National or international figures who serve as a role model for young people
- International figures who have some connection with the University, for example a common area of research
- National or international figures who serve to make a statement about the University’s position on moral or ethical issues
- Recognition of achievements which have not previously been recognised
- Persons with a local connection who have achieved a national or international reputation
The categories are indicative and where none apply the Committee will consider the justification for the case being submitted. A full and comprehensive case should be provided in support of the nomination, and include a curriculum vitae where possible.
Please read the guidelines carefully and send the completed nomination form to Clare Henderson. Deadline for nominations and papers is 19 February 2010, for consideration by the Honorary Degrees Committee.