Brunel University of London has awarded four Honorary Fellowships to individuals who have achieved distinction in their fields and made outstanding contributions to the University and wider society.
John Bates, David Ferguson, Shajahan Janally and Leina Shi were conferred during the University's 2026 summer graduation ceremonies in recognition of their exceptional service, professional achievement and longstanding connection to Brunel.
Professor Andrew Jones, Vice-Chancellor and President of Brunel University of London, said: “Our Honorary Fellows exemplify the values and spirit that define Brunel. As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, it is fitting that we recognise individuals whose achievements, service and leadership have inspired others and made a lasting contribution to our University and wider society.”
John Bates has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship in recognition of his distinguished contribution to the technical, cultural and educational life of the University. With a forty-year association with Brunel, John joined the University's audio-visual team in 1970. Over the following three decades, he became a cornerstone of the Media Teaching Centre, supporting the transition to digital technologies and helping generations of students develop professional filmmaking skills. John has acted as Brunel’s unofficial film and music historian, meticulously documenting productions and performances on campus including through his established and renowned Brunel Bands project.
David Ferguson has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship in recognition of his unique contribution to the University’s ceremonial life and its institutional culture. As a professional performer specialising in physical theatre and performance-based visual arts, David has portrayed Isambard Kingdom Brunel at graduation ceremonies and University events for almost 20 years. As founder of one of the longest-established living statue companies in the UK, David is known for the quality of his costume production and for the breadth of his performance repertoire.
Shajahan Janally, Engineering Technical Manager in Bentley Motors' Mulliner and Motorsport Division, has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship in recognition of his exceptional professional achievements as a Brunel graduate and for embodying the University's spirit of innovation, creativity and technical excellence. Shajahan has progressed from hands-on technical roles to senior leadership over a career spanning more than two decades in automotive design and engineering. Passionate about diversity and inclusion, Shajahan is Founder and Co-Chair of the BeUnited Multicultural Ethnic Network, where he champions initiatives that promote belonging, representation and mentorship across the workplace.
Leina Shi is the Director of Education for the British Council in China and has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship in recognition of her outstanding contribution to international higher education and her enduring connection to Brunel. Over more than two decades, she has built a distinguished career in international education, cultural relations and business development, creating partnerships and programmes that strengthen collaboration between institutions, communities and countries. As Director of Education, she leads a major portfolio across China and East Asia, supporting educational partnerships and exchange between the UK and one of the world's most significant education markets. At Brunel, as International Strategy Manager, she played a central role in advancing the University's global engagement, strengthening international partnerships, supporting research collaboration and enhancing Brunel's presence within global education networks.
The Honorary Fellowships form part of Brunel's 2026 summer graduation ceremonies, which celebrate the achievements of thousands of students completing their studies and joining the University's global alumni community.