Three honorary graduates have been celebrated for their outstanding achievements at the University of Bath’s summer graduations, held across 19 ceremonies at Bath Abbey this week.
Professor Sir Chris Whitty
Professor Sir Chris Whitty is Chief Medical Officer for England, the UK Government’s Chief Medical Adviser and head of the public health profession.
He is also a practising NHS Consultant Physician at University College London Hospitals (UCLH) and the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, and is best known for leading the UK’s COVID-19 pandemic response.
Combining his experience as a practising doctor with epidemiology and social science to understand the behavioural drivers of disease spread, Sir Chris transformed how the UK and global health communities respond to major crises.
Sir Chris has a direct connection to the City of Bath, having trained and worked at the Royal United Hospital in the 1990s.
Earlier this year he presented the first in the series of Adelard Lectures as part of the University’s 60th anniversary celebrations.
Sir Chris was awarded the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Health in recognition of his outstanding commitment to public health, medical science and evidence-based policy.
Dr Jo Daniels, Senior Lecturer in the University’s Department of Psychology gave his oration. She said: “Through his leadership during global health crises, including COVID-19 and Ebola, Sir Chris has shaped national and international responses, deepened public understanding of science and infectious disease, and exemplified integrity and service.
“His career stands as a powerful example of public service and an inspiration to this and future generations.”
Navjot Sawhney
Navjot Sawhney is the founder of The Washing Machine Project, a not-for-profit social enterprise working to alleviate the burden of handwashing clothes for people around the world.
After witnessing his neighbour, Divya, spending hours each week washing clothes by hand while living in rural India, Navjot promised to find a better solution.
Drawing on his engineering background and his master’s degree in Humanitarianism, Conflict and Development from the University of Bath, he developed the Divya, a manual, off-grid washing machine designed in partnership with the communities who use it.
Through partnerships with organisations including RS Group, Jaguar Land Rover, Santander, UNHCR and Oxfam, and with the support of the Whirlpool Foundation, The Washing Machine Project is now scaling its work globally.
The Divya has already impacted 105,000 people across 15 countries and is expected to scale up rapidly in the coming years as the Washing Machine Project establishes a dedicated manufacturing facility in India.
Most recently, following seven months of work, Navjot and his team successfully delivered washing machines into Gaza, where they are being used in field hospitals to support hygiene and infection prevention.
Dr Oliver Walton, Reader in the Department of Social and Policy Sciences, delivered his oration. He said: “Navjot is a fantastic role model for our students and is a living expression of Bath’s defining strength – its connected, interdisciplinary approach to real-world problems.
“He has combined engineering and social science skills to develop a sustainable technology that makes a difference to people’s lives, championing practical products that are designed in partnership with users.”
Navjot will also use his graduation speech to share a personal milestone: his engagement to fellow University of Bath alumna Rand Al Taher.
He said: “Bath has shaped so much of who I am, both professionally and personally, so it feels incredibly special to return to receive this honour and to celebrate this next chapter with Rand.”
Navjot received an Honorary Doctorate of Engineering.
Dr Dhananjayan (Danny) Sriskandarajah
Dr Danny Sriskandarajah has a career spanning international development and public policy, championing the role of civil society in building and supporting social movements that challenge inequality, injustice and discrimination.
He is the Chief Executive of the New Economics Foundation, and was previously Chief Executive of Oxfam GB where he revamped its strategic direction and reformed its governance.
He has extensive experience leading organisations across civil society, including a period as Secretary General of the global civil society alliance CIVICUS, with members in more than 180 countries. Before that, he was the first non-British CEO of the Royal Commonwealth Society and the Deputy Director of the Institute for Public Policy Research, where he led its work on migration and inequalities.
His recently published book – “Power to the People: use your voice, change the world” is a radical manifesto for change designed to inspire citizen action around the world through greater community engagement, to create a society that works for the many and not the few.
Dr Sriskandarajah was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Policy, Research and Practice.