Honorary graduates exemplify the highest levels of achievement in their spheres of activity and reflect our inspirational Durham community.
Honorary awards are nominated by members of University staff and approved by our Senate. They are conferred at our Winter or Summer Congregation ceremonies when thousands of our students officially graduate from the University.
This celebration of our honorary graduates’ achievements acts as a great example to our students as they set out on their own paths into the world.
Explore the recipients of Durham University's Honorary Degrees and Awards for Summer and Winter Congregation 2026.
As the owner of Durham based Gray and Son Robemakers, Marni Myers has been a much-valued presence at the heart of Durham University ceremonies for almost 40 years.
Through her care, professionalism, and attention to detail, she has helped ensure that generations of graduates and guests have experienced the University’s most important occasions with dignity and pride: every gown immaculately pressed; every hood precisely placed.
Marni has upheld Durham’s traditions with warmth, assurance, and dedication.
Marni will be awarded Master of Arts on Thursday, 2 July.
Paul is one of the world’s foremost historians of international relations.
He is the J. Richardson Dilworth Professor of History at Yale University. His writing has influenced policymakers as well as other scholars.
The author of ten major books, including The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers, his work has profoundly shaped global debates on power, strategy and economic change. He graduated from the University of Newcastle in 1966 and received a DPhil from St Antony's College Oxford.
Paul will be awarded a Doctor of Letters on Thursday, 2 July
Nick is an award-winning actor, writer and comedian whose work spans television, film, literature and live performance.
A Durham alumnus with a First-Class MSci in Geophysics, he achieved international recognition for his role as Nate Shelley in Ted Lasso for which he was nominated for two Emmys and has appeared in major film productions including Ridley Scott’s The Martian, Deep Cover and Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget.
He is the creator, writer and star of Intelligence and the author of The Young Magicians children’s book series. He most recently appeared on BBC’s The Celebrity Traitors.
Nick will be awarded a Doctor of Letters on Friday, 3 July.
As leading figures in contemporary British folk music, Rachel and Becky are celebrated for revitalising Northumbrian musical traditions while engaging audiences worldwide.
Over more than two decades and fourteen albums, the Unthank sisters have blended folk with literary, classical and theatrical influences, winning major awards including BBC Radio 2 Folk Album of the Year.
Their work is deeply rooted in place, community and history, and they have demonstrated a sustained commitment to cultural participation and civic engagement.
Rachel and Becky will each be awarded a Doctor of Letters on Friday, 3 July.
Rosemary is a distinguished alumna of Durham University and one of the UK’s newest astronauts.
Holding an MPhys in Physics and Astronomy, and an MSc in Physics from Durham, she carried out a PhD in Astronomy at the University of Sussex. She completed the European Space Agency’s highly selective astronaut basic training programme, graduating as one of six.
She now undertakes various roles within ESA, including astronaut training, mission support and crew operations, pending assignment to a space mission. Her achievement places her among a small and prestigious cohort of British astronauts.
Rosemary will be awarded a Doctor of Science on Tuesday, 7 July.
Ross is a distinguished communications professional and civic leader whose work has been central to the regeneration of Durham Miners’ Hall, Redhills.
Born and raised in County Durham. He is a Durham Master’s graduate and former Programme Director of the Durham Miners’ Association. He led the successful campaign to secure major National Lottery Heritage and other funding to rescue Redhills - transforming the Miners Hall into a centre for culture, education and community organisation.
His career reflects long-standing public service across the media, industry and the voluntary sectors.
Ross will be awarded a Doctor of Science on Tuesday, 7 July.
Jon is one of Britain’s most distinguished diplomats, with a career spanning some of the most complex regions of the Middle East.
A Durham graduate in Natural Sciences and Middle East Politics, he rose to ambassadorial rank in Yemen, Oman, Iraq and Qatar, and served as the UK’s Syria Envoy. He is currently a Distinguished Fellow at the Atlantic Council in Washington DC.
Widely respected as an exceptional Arabist, he was appointed Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George for services to British foreign policy.
Jon will be awarded a Doctor of Letters on Wednesday, 8 July.
David is an internationally renowned chemist and Emeritus Professor of Chemistry at Durham University, now Chair Professor at Hong Kong Baptist University.
A Fellow of the Royal Society since 2002, he has published over 450 research papers and patents, making seminal contributions to chiral molecular design and applied chemical science, bridging organic, inorganic and physical chemistry.
His work has led to clinically important imaging and therapeutic agents.
David will be awarded a Doctor of Science on Wednesday, 8 July.
Biography: Yasmin is the founder and director of the Halo Project, an award-winning charity supporting Black and minoritised victims and survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence and honour-based abuse since 2011.
Author of the first ever police super-complaint, Yasmin has pushed for police reform highlighting institutional failures in investigating sexual abuse within Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities.
Yasmin has established the Student Halo Hub at Durham University, providing student safety on campus and awareness to students.
She is the National Adviser to the Welsh Government on violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence. She served as an independent panel member for the London Fire Brigade Culture Review, bringing her expertise in organisational transformation and equality to address systemic discrimination within public services.
Yasmin was awarded a Doctor of Civil Law on Thursday, 8 January.
Biography: Having read geography at Hatfield College, Andrew Burns has had a stellar career in the Royal Navy, becoming one of its most senior and admired officers.
Throughout his career, he has commanded ships, led international task forces and contributed significantly to the UK Defence Strategy and strategy development.
He was promoted to Vice Admiral and took up the post of Fleet Commander in 2021, where he was responsible for global operations. He was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2015 Birthday Honours and Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) in the 2021 Birthday Honours.
Andrew made a welcome visit to Durham University in early 2025, engaging with staff, students and spin-out companies.
Andrew was awarded a Doctor of Science on Thursday, 8 January.
Biography: Heather is a lifelong community champion who has contributed hugely to society in County Durham.
During the Miners’ Strike of 1984-85, she created women’s support groups to provide crucial support for striking miners and their families. Later, she was elected to Durham County Council.
She has also worked and campaigned for older people, the conservation of local heritage, and the maintenance of public services and amenities. Heather has toured with plays locally and internationally, working with British film maker Ken Loach.
She published her autobiography ‘Just a Pit Lass’ in 2023.
Heather was awarded a Master of Arts on Friday, 9 January.
Biography: A highly respected businessman, property developer and philanthropist whose distinguished career spans business, football, education and charitable work, Sir Bob has combined entrepreneurial vision with a deep commitment to community and regional development.
Born in 1946 in County Durham, into a fourth-generation mining family, Sir Bob’s early journey was shaped by resilience and determination. Leaving school with just one O-Level and experiencing a year of unemployment, he returned to education — a decision that ignited a lifelong ambition to succeed and to champion education as a pathway for others.
After founding several successful businesses, he became Chairman of Sunderland AFC in 1986. He guided the club to two top-seven Premier League finishes and an FA Cup Final in 1992. His most enduring legacy was the development of the Stadium of Light (1997) and the Academy of Light (2003), two landmark projects that remain central to the Club’s identity and to football in the region.
In 2001, Sir Bob founded the Foundation of Light, one of the UK’s largest football charities.
Sir Bob’s belief in the power of education to change lives has also shaped his wider work. Since 2013, he has served as Chancellor of Leeds Beckett University, championing access, opportunity and excellence in higher education.
Sir Bob was awarded a Doctor of Letters on Friday, 9 January.
Congregation is an annual event at Durham. The ceremonies allow our students to celebrate all they have achieved in their time at university, not only academic, but social and pastoral too.
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