Tag: honorary degree

 Leading environmental scientist celebrated at University of West of Scotland graduation

An environmental scientists and former broadcaster has been recognised as part of University of the West of Scotland’s (UWS) graduations.

Dr Hermione Cockburn, who was awarded an OBE in 2020 for services to public engagement in science, was celebrated as part of a ceremony taking place at Paisley Abbey last week (Wednesday 3 July).

Dr Cockburn began her career at the University of Edinburgh researching landscape change in Africa and Antarctica. She then completed a post doctorate at the University of Melbourne.

For the past 20 years, she has worked exclusively in science communication and presented television series like Coast, Rough Science, Fossil Detectives: Discovering Prehistoric Britain and The Nature of Britain for the BBC.

She has also presented Radio 4 documentaries on subjects ranging from lead pollution to lasers, as well as an award-winning series on bacteria.

Dr Cockburn taught environmental science for the Open University for many years and is passionate about life-long learning. Her most recent role as the Scientific Director at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh saw her lead the charity’s mission that focuses on empowering people with understanding and empathy for the planet.

Recently, she led a major ocean literacy project about Scotland’s deep sea, collaborating closely with marine scientists from across the UK. She is a Trustee of the Association of Science and Discovery Centres, a fellow of The Royal Society of Edinburgh, and an honorary fellow of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society.

Professor Andrew Hursthouse delivered Dr Cockburn’s laureation speech, which touched on her inspirational career to date.

Discussing her Honorary Doctorate from UWS, Dr Cockburn said, “It’s an honour to receive this Honorary Doctorate.

“As someone who is passionate about science education and life-long learning, it’s been inspiring to be a part of the ceremony today and see so many graduates take the next step in that journey.”

Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS, said: “Graduation is the pinnacle of the University calendar. It gives us the opportunity to both reflect on the amazing achievements of our students and to celebrate this most important of milestones with their friends and families, as well as the whole UWS community who have supported them throughout their time at university.

“We are delighted to present Dr Hermione Cockburn with this Honorary Doctorate. We know she will be a role model not only to students studying scientific disciplines but also those who are keen to work in science engagement. Her commitment to encouraging life-long learning and environmental awareness is aligned to our own values here at the University.”

Outdoor learning trailblazer Juliet Robertson awarded honorary degree by Queen Margaret University

Juliet Robertson, one of Scotland’s leading educators specialising in outdoor learning and play, has been awarded an honorary degree by Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh in a special ceremony at the University’s new outdoor learning hub.

Juliet, who is known throughout the education profession as a trailblazer for outdoor learning and play for children and young people, was awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Education in recognition of her significant contribution to learning.  

The recently opened Outdoor Learning Hub and Discovery Trail, at which the honorary award was conferred in a special ceremony, is located in the grounds of the University. An oration celebrating Juliet’s achievements, along with a video recorded response from her, was delivered at one of QMU’s graduation ceremonies held in the Usher Hall on 2nd July, and so heard by hundreds of new graduates, including future teachers. 

Juliet’s passion for nature has been lifelong. Throughout her career, she has worked to ensure that all children, and the adults who work with them, have positive and enjoyable outdoor experiences, regardless of their location. Her work enables schools, play organisations, and early years settings to offer quality outdoor learning and play opportunities – which have now become an essential part of the Scottish education curriculum.  

As a primary school teacher, Juliet consistently integrated outdoor activities into her teaching, taking children on weekly visits to local woods and spearheading school grounds development projects. Her leadership as head teacher from 1998 to 2007 saw her managing three different schools, significantly influencing the educational experiences of hundreds of young people. 

In 2007, Juliet founded Creative Star, an independent company dedicated to providing training for educators and diverse outdoor learning opportunities for children across Scotland and beyond. Her influential books, ‘Dirty Teaching’ and ‘Messy Maths,’ have become essential resources for educators, and are core texts in undergraduate courses at QMU. 

Juliet’s pioneering efforts include the development of the Forest Kindergarten qualification, a benchmark in outdoor learning provision for Early Years in Scotland.

Her expertise has significantly shaped national outdoor education initiatives, including advising government officials and ministers to promote outdoor learning, even in urban environments. Notably, she played a pivotal role in the creation of the ‘Loose Parts Play’ toolkit, a cornerstone of good practice in outdoor education.   

Her influence extends beyond Scotland and the UK, having worked in Canada, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Australia and Hong Kong. In 2004, she won a Developing Effective International Education research award for her report into Sustainable Development Education in the Czech Republic.

And in 2008, she was the recipient of a Winston Churchill Travelling Fellowship to study technologies outdoors. Juliet provided the initial training for the first outdoor nurseries in Lithuania, and worked with universities and schools in Spain and Belgium.  

Sir Paul Grice, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Queen Margaret University, said: “Throughout her distinguished career, Juliet Robertson has demonstrated an unwavering passion for nature and education. Her inspirational vision and ideas have significantly impacted the higher education sector, with the concept of outdoor learning expected to continue growing in significance.  

“Throughout Scotland, wherever there are educators working in nature with children, the principles and methodologies championed by Juliet Robertson are being implemented, leaving a lasting legacy that will benefit future generations.” 

Sir Paul concluded: “We were delighted to recognise Juliet’s accomplishments with an honorary degree, while also enjoying the outdoors and showcasing our newly opened Outdoor Learning Hub, which is now part of our campus grounds – essentially the Hub is a physical manifestation of QMU’s commitment to the important concept of outdoor learning.

“As a facility for all, it will support activity, wellbeing, and teaching locally, as well as upskilling teachers across the UK in outdoor learning. Juliet’s work has been an important influence on QMU’s drive to incorporate outdoor learning, not only in our teacher education courses, but across our wider course portfolio, so even more people can benefit from learning in nature.” 

TV star Sally Gray awarded honorary degree by Queen Margaret University

TODAY (1st July), Sally Gray, TV presenter, media trainer, business leader and charity worker, was awarded an honorary degree by Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh.  

Sally, a QMU graduate who has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the UK media and runs a highly successful media training business, was awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of the University, Honoris Causa in recognition of her significant contribution to culture and the creative arts.

Sally celebrated her success with Dame Prue Leith CBE, Chancellor of Queen Margaret University, and hundreds of new graduates and their families at the first of the QMU’s graduation ceremonies to be held in Edinburgh’s Usher Hall this year.  

Sally studied communications and media studies at Queen Margaret College in the 1980s, and it was her dissertation work about children’s television that led her into the BBC’s Blue Peter offices.

She landed her first ‘proper’ job as a BBC secretary, which brought her into contact with many highly experienced broadcasters, such as David Dimbleby, who was on the first programme she worked on, and she played a part in bringing the TV politics programme ‘Question Time’ to Scotland for the first time. 

Sally’s presenting career kicked off on a BBC Scotland children’s education programme ‘Go45,’ which she co-hosted with Grant Stott.

This programme was a fresh take on educational broadcasting and attracted an average audience of up to five million people per episode. Her TV credits range from fronting lifestyle shows such as ITV’s ‘Moving Day’ and ‘Our House’, BBC’s ‘Real Rooms’ and the ‘Really Useful Show’ to ‘live’ roving reporting on GMTV.

She has also hosted fun CBBC entertainment shows, as well as presenting ‘Record Breakers’, ‘50/50’ and numerous other children’s programmes.  

Nowadays, she focuses her energy on nurturing talent, with a particular interest in helping young people build their confidence and find opportunities in the media. She worked with the London Academy of Film and TV as their Head of Production, training young people up as TV presenters and mentoring new talent.

She then set up her own media training company, Presenters Inc, where she has helped people with a story – including Olympic champions, Strictly Come Dancing professionals and human rights lawyers – to find their voice and engage with audiences. 

In 2003, Sally received an MBE for services to young people through her work as an ambassador for the Millennium Volunteers. This was a youth volunteering award scheme, now re-badged in Scotland as the Saltire Awards.

Similarly, through her role as an ambassador for the Prince’s Trust, she has supported young people facing disadvantage and adversity to create a better future. 

Sir Paul Grice, Principal and Vice Chancellor of Queen Margaret University, said: “Sally has created an incredibly successful, exciting and varied media career.

“She has travelled the world in search of the kookiest inventions, chased after wild alligators, flown a fighter plane, gone head-to-head with Hollywood heavyweights, such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Pierce Brosnan, and sung a duet with actor and comedian Sir Norman Wisdom.

“But, Sally has not only entertained us – she has used her wealth of expertise to give voice to others, helping many fulfil their potential. In that, she personifies Queen Margaret University’s values of making the world a better place and allowing individuals to thrive.” 

Sir Paul concluded: “Sally Gray is a true inspiration to our creative industry students and the whole of the QMU community, and we are delighted to recognise her impressive achievements with an honorary degree.” 

Degrees of Triumph: Gregor Townsend receives honorary degree

Scotland rugby’s head coach, Gregor Townsend, has received an Honorary Degree from Heriot-Watt University in recognition of his global impact on the sport.

The former fly-half was presented with the academic title of Doctor of the University during the Winter Graduation Ceremonies being held at the Edinburgh Campus this week.  

Mr Townsend collected his scroll from Professor Sir Geoff Palmer, Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, in front of fellow graduands, gathered within the main lecture theatre at the James Watt Centre.

Afterwards, he said: “I feel very humbled to receive this honorary degree.

“Heriot-Watt University has a close personal connection as its campus in Galashiels is situated right beside where I started and finished my playing career, and also where my mum used to work for a number of years in the library.

“Now, in my role as national team head coach we spend the majority of our time with our players at the world-class facilities at Oriam, in the heart of the University’s main campus. I would like to thank Oriam for their continued support and relationship with Scottish rugby and to everyone at Heriot-Watt for this award.”

Gregor Townsend is a revered figure in Scottish and international rugby having amassed 82 caps for his country.

His senior rugby career began in 1990 with his local side, Gala RFC before going on to play club rugby in England, France, Australia and South Africa.  

He was the first player to compete in all four of rugby’s professional club competitions – the Celtic League, the English Premiership, the French Top 14 and Super Rugby – and was a mainstay for Scotland throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. His exceptional ability on the field, which included a Five Nations title, as it was known then; resulted in a call-up for the 1997 British & Irish Lions squad and in 1999 he received an MBE for services to rugby.

After retiring from playing, Mr Townsend worked for the Scottish-based charity, Winning Scotland Foundation before embarking on a coaching career. He started out as an assistant coach with the Scotland team in 2009 then was appointed as Head Coach of Glasgow Warriors in 2012.

In 2017, he was appointed Scotland Head Coach.

The squad regularly attends the Edinburgh campus to train and benefit from the first-class training facilities provided by Oriam, Scotland’s sports performance centre.

Passing on his congratulations is Ross Campbell, Executive Director at Oriam, who said: “Oriam has always aimed to celebrate and support outstanding individuals who make a difference in the world of sports and Gregor Townsend is a prime example of such excellence.

“He rightly deserves his place as one of Scotland’s greatest ever sportsmen and we are proud to play our part in making available our outstanding training facilities to him and his players.

“This honorary degree is not only in recognition of Gregor’s past achievements but also acknowledges his ongoing dedication to the sport. Everyone at Oriam wishes him well and continued success in influencing the next generation of athletes.”

Professor Sir Geoff Palmer said: “Gregor’s honorary degree is in recognition of his remarkable contributions to rugby over many years. His ability to lead and inspire others has left an indelible mark on the sport and this award reflects the deep respect for his achievements and continued positive impact.”

Heriot-Watt and Oriam now offer yearly sports scholarship programmes, designed to embed a high-performance training environment into a sports scholars weekly schedule. This includes the Club Performance programme which allows students to study at Heriot-Watt while receiving specialist support to advance in either football or squash.

In addition to accessing world-class training facilities, scholars on this programme receive a 40% reduction on their university fees. While the scholarships are initially for a 12-month period this can be extended to cover a student’s entire time at university based on their performance.

To find out more about all programmes or to apply visit the website.

A total of 12 graduation ceremonies are being held at the University’s Edinburgh campus between the 2nd and 5th of December marking the academic achievement of students from the School of Social Sciences, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, School of Energy Geoscience Infrastructure and Society, and the School of Textile and Design. 

Linda Bauld receives Honorary Degree from Robert Gordon University

Professor Linda Bauld OBE, who has been at the forefront of public health research in Scotland for the best part of 30 years, has been awarded an Honorary Degree from Robert Gordon University (RGU).

During RGU’s graduation ceremony at P&J Live in Aberdeen on Thursday 6 July, Professor Bauld was awarded a Doctor of Science (DSc) in recognition of her extensive research within public health, particularly in alcohol use and smoking cessation. 

The University acknowledges Professor Bauld’s continued work on the Covid-19 pandemic as the Scottish Government’s Chief Social Policy Adviser.

Professor Steve Olivier, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of RGU, said: “Professor Bauld has made an immense contribution to helping improve public health with her crucial research which has an impact on all our lives.

“This work is continuing with her role as an advisor to the Scottish Government as we continue to adapt and recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It is a real honour for the University to be able to recognise a scientist whose inspiring research career is dedicated to finding ways to make us all live happier and healthier by tackling major issues such as cancer, diabetes, and smoking.”

Professor Bauld is a familiar face to many people as she regularly appeared on television during the pandemic using her scientific knowledge to communicate with the public through numerous media appearances to help us all make sense of the latest developments during the pandemic.

The Bruce and John Usher Chair in Public Health in the Usher Institute, College of Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, she is a behavioural scientist who research looks at two main areas, the evaluation of complex interventions to improve health, and how research can inform public health policy.

She has undertaken many major advisory roles for government and worked with charities as part of efforts to keep public health at the forefront of the minds of policy makers.

Professor Bauld was scientific adviser on tobacco control to the UK government between 2006 and 2010; Cancer Research UK’s cancer prevention champion from July 2014 to July 2021; and adviser to the Covid-19 committee of the Scottish parliament. 

She is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, the Academy of Social Sciences, the Royal Society of Edinburgh, and the Faculty of Public Health; and was awarded an OBE in the 2021 Queens Birthday Honours.

Ali honoured for putting Edinburgh’s literary culture on the world stage

ONE of Scotland’s leading champions of literature and literary tourism was honoured by Edinburgh Napier University yesterday.

Ali Bowden, Director of the Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust, was awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters in recognition of her contribution to the promotion of reading, writing and literary heritage.

University of Stirling graduate Ali enjoyed a ten-year career in publishing with Polygon Books and Edinburgh University Press before becoming Director of the Trust in 2006.

She has played a key role in establishing and developing Edinburgh as a UNESCO City of Literature and founding city in a global network of creative cities.

Passionate about promoting Edinburgh as a literary city, Ali has created projects ranging from community-based writers’ residencies and international exchanges to Scotland’s first citywide reading campaign, the award-winning Great Scott! installation in Waverley railway station honouring Sir Walter Scott, and the Stars & Stories trail of illuminated quotations celebrating 500 years of Edinburgh’s publishing heritage.

In 2011, the City of Literature Trust joined forces with Edinburgh Napier to launch the annual Robert Louis Stevenson Day, the first of many collaborative projects with the University.

The hard work continues, with Ali’s current focus being the creation of a Literature House at John Knox House, as part of a wider development of the Literary Quarter on the Royal Mile. Scheduled to open in 2022, the Literature House is an ambitious project that will be a point of transformation for Edinburgh as a UNESCO City of Literature in terms of profile, access and engagement.

Today, she joined hundreds of students at the School of Arts & Creative Industries graduation ceremony in the Usher Hall to receive her Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters.

Ali, 46, said: “I am delighted and truly honoured to receive recognition of this kind. My work over the years has never been easy but has always been interesting, diverse and stimulating.

“Edinburgh is an outstanding UNESCO City of Literature and it’s a joy to play a part in supporting the reading and writing communities here, and connecting our literary city with like-minded cities around the world.”

Professor Andrea Nolan, Principal of Edinburgh Napier University, said: “Edinburgh is a city which is rich in literary heritage, from Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson to the Rebus novels of Ian Rankin, and as the birthplace of JK Rowling’s Boy Wizard, Harry Potter.

“Ali Bowden has spearheaded the drive to make reading part of our lives while promoting the city’s literary connections on the global stage, and it is a pleasure to have her join our celebrations today.”