Brunel University of London has awarded 10 new honorary doctorates to key figures at its 2026 summer graduation ceremonies.
This year's honorary graduates reflect the breadth of achievement celebrated by Brunel, spanning sport, literature, science, engineering, business and public service. Among those honoured are inspiring sporting figures Connie Henry MBE and Maud Muir; celebrated writer the late Benjamin Zephaniah; internationally renowned scientists and engineers Professor Appolinaire Djikeng, Professor Yonghua Song, Dr Richard Williams, Professor Amaresh Chakrabarti and Professor John Wood CBE FREng; economist Sir Charles Bean; and global banking leader Alistair Currie.
Professor Andrew Jones, Vice-Chancellor and President of Brunel University of London, said: “As Brunel marks its 60th anniversary, we are proud to celebrate an exceptional group of honorary graduates whose achievements have transformed lives, advanced knowledge and made a positive difference to society. Each has made an outstanding contribution in their field and embodies the values of excellence, innovation, leadership and public service that Brunel seeks to champion. We are delighted to welcome them into our University community.”
Sport and social impact
From the world of sport, international athlete Connie Henry MBE received an Honorary Doctorate of Education for her contribution to sport, education and social mobility. A graduate of Brunel, Connie was an international triple jumper and founder of Track Academy which was the UK’s first charity to use athletics as a transformative vehicle to engage disadvantaged youth.
Elite international rugby player Maud Muir has received an Honorary Doctorate of Science in recognition of her contribution to sport and her embodiment of the relationship between scientific study and elite performance.
Literature and education
The late Benjamin Zephaniah received a posthumous Honorary Doctorate of Literature in recognition of his lasting contribution to literature, education and social justice. Poet, novelist, performer, musician and professor, he transformed the place of poetry in public life, bringing it beyond traditional literary spaces and into schools, communities, theatres and streets. He was a lifelong campaigner for social justice and showed how culture can be a force for empathy, inclusion and change. From 2011 until his death in 2023, he served as Professor of Creative Writing at Brunel, where he nurtured creativity in students and the wider community, visited schools and colleges, and championed the idea that poetry belongs to everyone.
Science, engineering and innovation
Professor Appolinaire Djikeng has received an Honorary Doctorate of Science in recognition of his distinguished contribution to science, agriculture and global research leadership. A biologist and genomics expert, he has worked across continents to advance the role of science in addressing some of the most urgent challenges facing food systems, animal health and sustainable development. He is currently Director General of the International Livestock Research Institute where he leads global efforts to support farmers, strengthen food systems and shape research that benefits communities, particularly in Africa and Asia.
Internationally distinguished leader in engineering and higher education Professor Yonghua Song has received an Honorary Doctorate of Engineering in recognition of his contribution to engineering and higher education. Across his career, Yonghua has combined deep technical expertise with exceptional leadership. His research has transformed understanding of the operation and control of complex power systems, developing innovative methods to support secure, economical and low-carbon energy supply.
Dr Richard Williams has received an Honorary Doctorate of Technology in recognition of his distinguished contribution to science, industry and scholarship. One of the very first students at Brunel's Uxbridge campus and a graduate at the University's first awards ceremony, he went on to build a successful international career in metallurgy, industrial innovation and business leadership. In retirement, he has become a recognised expert on the history of iron production, combining scientific analysis and historical research to deepen understanding of the foundations of modern industry.
Professor Amaresh Chakrabarti has received an Honorary Doctorate of Engineering in recognition of his contribution to engineering design, research and education. Amaresh is a globally recognised leader in engineering design and innovation, whose work has transformed design research and education around the world. Chair in the Department of Design and Manufacturing at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, he has pioneered new approaches to creativity, sustainability and engineering design, earning international recognition for his contributions to the field. He also works closely with Brunel through the PISCES partnership, helping to advance collaborative solutions to environmental challenges.
Globally respected materials scientist, Professor John Wood CBE FREng has received an Honorary Doctorate of Engineering in recognition of his distinguished contribution to engineering, science and international research leadership. His leadership has helped shape some of the world's most important scientific research facilities and partnerships. As founding Director of Diamond Light Source and a former Chief Executive of the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, he has had a lasting impact on international science, innovation and research policy. He has also maintained a strong connection with Brunel, serving on its Council and supporting the University's strategic development.
Leadership, business and public service
Leading economist Sir Charles Bean has received an Honorary Doctorate of Social Sciences for his service to economic policy and public life. His work has had a major influence on economic policy in the UK and internationally. As former Deputy Governor of the Bank of England, he played a key role in shaping monetary policy and guiding the economy through periods of uncertainty. Alongside his distinguished academic career, he has continued to contribute to public life through economic forecasting, policy advice and support for higher education.
Alistair Currie has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Technology in recognition of his contribution to international banking and business leadership. He is a Brunel graduate and internationally respected banking leader whose career has spanned more than three decades across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Australia and the United States. He has held senior leadership roles at HSBC, ANZ and Barclays, culminating in his position as Group Chief Operating Officer of Barclays, where he oversaw technology, operations and services for a global workforce of 60,000 colleagues. He now serves as an Independent Non-Executive Director of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, bringing extensive expertise in business transformation, innovation and international finance.
Honorary degrees are awarded in recognition of an individual’s outstanding achievement in their field of expertise, or in recognition of the application of the individual’s knowledge and intellectual ability for the benefit, or the potential, that it offers to society.