Honorary doctorates and fellowships
Meet our 2025 award recipients
Honorary doctorates and fellowships
The University of Hertfordshire grants Honorary Awards to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to society - advancing their fields, enriching public life, supporting the University, or making a meaningful impact across Hertfordshire and beyond. These honours celebrate leadership, service and excellence of significant public value, and reflect the values we champion as a University.
-
Honorary Doctor of ArtsRana Begum
Modern Artist
Rana Begum is an internationally acclaimed visual artist whose minimalist practice fuses painting, sculpture and architecture. Her work explores light, colour, urban environments and Islamic geometric forms, and is exhibited worldwide. A Herts alumna, she studied Fine Art Foundation (1996).
-
FellowshipProfessor Bruce Christianson
Algorithm Pioneer
Professor Bruce Christianson is a mathematician and computer scientist whose 30 years of worldleading research and teaching at Herts shaped generations. Now an Emeritus Professor and Fellow of the New Zealand Mathematical Society, his impact spans the University, motorsport and the space sector.
-
Honorary Doctor of Sports ScienceNicki Combarro
Olympic Physiotherapist
Nicki Combarro is an elite physiotherapist who has supported top athletes with Team GB and Team England at Olympic and Commonwealth Games. A member of Herts’ first physiotherapy cohort, she founded the on campus clinic treating students and local athletes. A Herts alumna, she holds a BSc Physiotherapy (1996).
-
Honorary Doctor of ScienceDr Lynn Drummond
Biochemist and Business Leader
Dr Lynn Drummond is a distinguished biochemist whose wide ranging career spans research, government, international investment banking and senior nonexecutive leadership. A former Pro Chancellor and Chair of Governors at Herts, she has made a profound and enduring contribution to the University.
-
Honorary Doctor of BusinessMoataz Ghanem
Enterprising Leader
Moataz Ghanem is a financial expert and businessman who built the core operational foundation of the University of Hertfordshire in Egypt through the Global Academic Foundation (GAF). With experience in Egypt’s banking sector and global gold trading, he is UH-GAF Chairman and Head of the Board of Trustees.
-
Honorary Doctor of BusinessSimon Gulliford
Marketing Mogul
Simon Gulliford, former Chairman of the Hendy Automotive Group, is a business leader whose consumer behaviour and competitive strategy expertise has shaped global companies. He has worked across retail, aeronautical, print media and finance. A Herts alumnus, he holds a BA Social Sciences (1979).
-
Honorary Doctor of EducationDr Omaima Hatem
Entrepreneurial Educator
Dr Omaima Hatem is an entrepreneur, educator and Chancellor of UH‑GAF, the first UK university campus in Egypt. Founder of several global companies, she has excelled at Cambridge and as Professor of International Business at Edinburgh. Under her leadership, UH‑GAF now educates 4,000 Herts students.
-
FellowshipBill Hiron MBE
Transport Chairman
Bill Hiron MBE is Chairman of Eastern Transport Holdings and a nationally recognised leader in public transport who has grown and supported numerous companies. President of the Omnibus Society, he is both a successful entrepreneur and an advocate for excellent passenger experience.
-
Honorary Doctor of BusinessBhanu Kaushik
International Entrepreneur
Bhanu Kaushik is a social entrepreneur whose commitment to education and health has transformed lives across India and beyond. As leader of UH India, he has made Herts a destination of choice for students. He also supports healthcare initiatives for underserved communities, impacting thousands.
-
Honorary Doctor of EngineeringPaul Monaghan
Automotive Engineer
Paul Monaghan has been at the heart of Formula One teams for more than 30 years, shaping engineering success. Now Chief Engineer at Red Bull Racing, he has worked with icons including Ayrton Senna, Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. A Herts alumnus, he holds an MEng Mechanical Engineering (1989).
-
Honorary Doctor of LawsNeelam Sarkaria
International Barrister
Neelam Sarkaria is a barrister, tribunal judge and criminal justice consultant who has moved from courtroom work to policymaking and international development. After two decades with the CPS, she drove reform in cases of genderbased violence. A Herts alumna, she holds a BA Social Sciences (1986).
-
Honorary Doctor of ScienceAdam Sewell-Jones
NHS Chief Executive
Adam Sewell-Jones is Chief Executive of East and North Hertfordshire Teaching NHS Trust and a health leader known for improving patient care and empowering staff. Driven to make a difference, he has held senior roles across the sector, including with Monitor and NHS Improvement.
-
Honorary Doctor of ArtsNoel Tovey
Film and TV Leader
Noel Tovey has spent three decades in film and TV and is Managing Director of Sky Studios Elstree. From Shepperton to Pinewood and Warner Bros Leavesden, he has overseen major studio operations and worked on franchises including Star Wars, Jurassic World Rebirth, House of the Dragon and Wicked.
-
Honorary Doctor of ScienceDr Suzy Walton
Chartered Director
A former VP of the Royal Society of Medicine (RSM), Dr Walton has worked for the MoD and Cabinet Office and has sat on boards including Birmingham Children’s Hospital and the Institute of Directors. A mum of seven, she holds a BSc and MSc in Psychology from Herts, and a PhD from Cranfield for research on military suicide.