University of Glasgow Honorary Degrees 2025

25 Mar 2025

The University of Glasgow is awarding honorary degrees to recipients in recognition of their achievements in the fields of arts, politics, humanities and science. 

The awards will be presented at a special Commemoration Day ceremony on Wednesday 18 June, which marks the foundation of the University in 1451. 

Among the recipients are musician Sharleen Spiteri; political scientist Professor Sir John Curtice; author and journalist Sally Magnuson; and broadcaster Kirsty Young. 

Honorary degrees will also be awarded to a host of recipients during the University’s summer graduation ceremonies. 

Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, Principal & Vice Chancellor, University of Glasgow, said: “Granting honorary degrees is a way for the University of Glasgow to recognise and celebrate the meaningful contribution individuals have made to society. 

“I am thrilled that the University is celebrating graduands from a wide range of backgrounds and expertise. Each one has made a significant impact in their fields, positively influencing the lives of people across the world. 

“Commemoration Day is always a very special occasion, and this year is particularly special. Not only does it mark a milestone in the University’s history, but it also represents my final year as Principal & Vice Chancellor. I am excited to join in celebrating this day with our esteemed graduands.” 

The full list of honorary degrees 2025 is: 

Commemoration Day, Wednesday 18 June 2025 

Doctor of Letters (DLitt)

• Professor Dame Diana Coyle, Co-Director, Bennett Institute for Public Policy, University of Cambridge
• Professor Sir John Curtice, Professor of Politics, University of Strathclyde 

Doctor of Music (DMus)

• Sharleen Spiteri, Musician 

Doctor of Engineering (DEng)

• Professor Michael Oritz, Frank and Ora Lee Marble Professor of Aeronautics and Mechanical Engineering, California Institute of Technology 

Doctor of the University (DUniv)

• Dr Clark McGinn, Financier and Robert Burns Scholar
• Sally Magnusson, Journalist and Author
• Dr Gerry Rice, Director of Communications, International Monetary Fund
• Kirsty Young, Broadcaster and Journalist 

Summer 2025 Graduations 

Doctor of Letters (DLitt)

• Robert Softley Gale, Artist Director and CEO, Birds of Paradise Theatre Company 

Doctor of Science (DSc)

• Professor Mark Girolami, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge
• Professor Richard Oreffo, Centre for Human Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration, University of Southampton 

Doctor of Engineering (DEng)

• Professor Dame Lynn Gladden, Shell Professor of Chemical Engineering, University of Cambridge 

Graduation, Crichton Campus, Dumfries, Friday 11 July 2025 

Doctor of Science (DSc)

• Dr Megumi Muto, Japan International Cooperation Agency 

Winter 2025 Graduations 

Doctor of Letters (DLitt)

• Professor James Arthur, Academic