University news

Two hundred years after the death of James Watt, the University of Glasgow is honouring four distinguished scientists on Commemoration Day – 12 June 2019 - in recognition of their contributions.

Dr John (Iain) Glen, founder of Glen Pharma Ltd, will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Science (DSc) for his discovery and development of propofol – a chemical whose rapid action and freedom from residual effects have made it the most widely-used agent for induction of anaesthesia in patients throughout the world. He studied veterinary medicine at the University of Glasgow and on graduation specialised in veterinary anaesthesia.

Mark Logan, a technologist and business leader who, as its Chief Operating Officer, helped to lead Skyscanner to a £1.5bn acquisition by C-trip in 2016, will also receive a D.Sc.

Doctorates of Engineering are being awarded to Craig Clark, founder of Clyde Space, which has helped establish Glasgow as a leading international centre for space technology; and to Karen Dinardo, a highly-respected Civil Engineer who is currently the first female President of the Institute of Engineers and Shipbuilders in Scotland.

A DUniv (Doctorate of the University) is being awarded to Kevin Sneader, Global Managing Partner, Hong Kong, McKinsey & Co. A law graduate of the University of Glasgow, Mr Sneader is one of the most influential figures in the world of business. Despite having worked across the world, Mr Sneader’s roots remain very firmly in Scotland. He has retained close links with the University’s debating fora and most recently brought his philanthropic skills to the University’s Campaign Leadership Board.

Among the other recipients of the award Doctor of the University (DUniv) are: Sabir Zazai, CEO of the Scottish Refugee Council; Bernard Higgins, Chairman of the Board of the National Galleries of Scotland; Jayne-Anne Gadhia, CEO of Virgin Money and a strong proponent of encouraging women to work in the financial sector; and Professor Dame Janet Beer, Vice Chancellor of the University of Liverpool, recognising her contribution to higher education and to equality and diversity.

Sir Iain MacLeod, Legal Adviser to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, receives an Honorary LLD (Doctor of Laws) while Katharine Viner, Editor-in-Chief of The Guardian newspaper, receives an Honorary Doctor of Letters (DLitt).

In other summer graduations, Lady Rita Rae – Scottish lawyer and Senator of the College of justice – will receive an Honorary LLD; arts journalist Mary Brennan will receive a DLitt; and Professor Sir David Omand, Vice President of the Royal United Services Institute, will receive a DUniv.

Professor Anne Neville, Professor of Tribology and Surface Engineering at the University of Leeds, receives a DEng for her pioneering contributions to the field of tribology – she has also been a powerful advocate for encouraging wider participation in engineering, particularly for girls.

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First published: 23 May 2019