Queen’s University Belfast marks 175 years with honorary degree awards

Four world-leading academics have been awarded honorary degrees at a special ceremony marking 175 years since the establishment of the Queen’s colleges in Belfast, Cork and Galway – the beginning of the history of Queen’s University Belfast.
By Mark Rainey
Published 10th Nov 2020, 19:00 BST
Queens University Belfast. Photo: Matt Mackey / PresseyeQueens University Belfast. Photo: Matt Mackey / Presseye
Queens University Belfast. Photo: Matt Mackey / Presseye

Speaking remotely during the ceremony yesterday, Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton praised the university as “an international centre of excellence in research and education,” as well as congratulating the four recipients.

Professor Dame Anne Glover, distinguished microbiologist and President of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Prof Peter Kennedy, world expert in wireless communications and immediate past President of the Royal Irish Academy, Prof Sir Robert Lechler, renowned immunologist, and President of the Academy of Medical Sciences and Prof Sir David Cannadine, eminent historian and President of the British Academy, were all recognised for their contribution to the Learned Societies of the UK and Ireland.

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The Prince of Wales had pre-recorded his own contribution to the ceremony, delivering his own congratulations.

Professor Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast said: “The Learned Societies play a hugely important role in contemporary life. They are a hub of intellectual activity – what Seamus Heaney called ‘exercise of mind’ and they represent leadership of exceptional ability.

“It is an honour to award these world-leading, highly distinguished individuals honorary degrees on this very special 175th anniversary occasion.

“We warmly welcome them to the Queen’s family.”

The 175th Anniversary Honorary Graduation event and podcast series is available at www.qub.ac.uk/175.

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