Key figures recognised with honorary degrees
Alongside School ceremonies, individuals are being honoured for their hard work, public service, and the difference they have made in Scotland and further afield.
Distinguished contributions to a wide range of activities, including equality, education, music, science, research and philanthropy are being celebrated with the award of honorary degrees.
The full list of honorary graduates can be found on our Student Administration website.
Dr Ka Lai (Kate) Ho
Edinburgh Alumna Dr Ka Lai (Kate) Ho will receive a doctor honoris causa on Monday 3 July.
Dr Ho is a prominent member of the women in technology community in Scotland and is currently Head of Product for Data Platforms and Data Products at the BBC where she is responsible for the strategic direction of data curation and consumption.
Professor Julie Fitzpatrick
On Friday 7 July, Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland, Professor Julie Fitzpatrick will be awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery.
Professor Fitzpatrick has held the position of Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland since June 2021.
She is Scientific Director of the Moredun Research Institute and the CEO of The Moredun Group, and also holds a Chair in Food Security at the University of Glasgow’s School of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences.
Ms Sinead Burke
Disabled educator, advocate and author, Sinead Burke will be awarded a doctor honoris causa on Tuesday 11 July.
Ms Burke is the founder and CEO of Tilting the Lens, an accessibility consultancy that advises major global brands such as Gucci, Netflix, Ralph Lauren, Pinterest and Starbucks, to create more accessible and equitable practices, policies, products and services, places and promotions.
Dr Rebecca Saunders
Acclaimed international composer and Edinburgh alumna, Dr Rebecca Saunders will receive a Doctor of Music on Tuesday 11 July.
This award is being given by the University in recognition of her international prominence in composition in the world of new classical music. Her music is performed by renowned international ensembles, including Ensemble Musikfabrik, Klangforum Wien, Ensemble Modern, Diotima, Ensemble Intercontemporain, and numerous orchestras and soloists worldwide.
Dr Nick Barley
On Wednesday 12 July, Edinburgh International Book Festival director Dr Nick Barley will be awarded a Doctor of Letters.
Dr Barley has been director of the Festival since 2009, responsible for the growth of the festival into one of the best-respected and most international literary festivals. He will step down from his role in September following a 14-year tenure.
[Dr Rebecca Saunders image credit Astrid Ackermann]