Dr Arnab Basu MBE (Physics, Ustinov College, 1999-2003) has been installed as the High Sheriff of the County Palatine of Durham for the 2026/7 civic year.
Originally from Kolkata, India, Dr Basu has lived in County Durham for over three decades. He co-founded Durham University spinout company Kromek Group in 2003, and continues to lead it as CEO. Kromek Group originated in Durham University research into cutting-edge radiation detection technology, and now delivers breakthroughs applied everywhere from local hospitals to the frontline in Ukraine, employing more than 150 people across two continents.
Dr Basu’s appointment follows decades of civic and community contributions in County Durham and across the North East in sport, economic development, innovation, health and culture. In 2014, he was awarded an MBE for services to regional development and international trade.
He has served as a Deputy Lieutenant of County Durham since 2020.
Dr Basu’s priorities for the year ahead are employability, mental health and opportunities for young people from disadvantaged communities and the important role of sport and culture. He said of the appointment:
Becoming High Sheriff of Durham is a moment of great pride for my family and me. It reflects the openness and diversity of this remarkable county, and I hope it inspires others from all backgrounds to contribute to public life.
The Office of High Sheriff is the oldest secular role under the Crown, with origins stretching back over 1,000 years. Emerging from the Anglo‑Saxon system of local governance, sheriffs were originally the monarch’s chief representatives in each shire, responsible for maintaining law and order, collecting taxes, administering justice, and raising local militia when required.
Their authority grew under the Normans before being gradually reshaped through later reforms, including the Sheriffs Act 1887, which defined the modern annual appointment and clarified the responsibilities of the role.
Today, although primarily ceremonial, High Sheriffs serve as key civic figures supporting the judiciary, championing voluntary and community organisations, and encouraging social cohesion across their counties.
For further information about our connections with the Lord-Lieutenant or High Sheriff of County Durham, contact Lucian Hudson, Executive Director, Communications and External Relations, on communications.team@durham.ac.uk
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