Broadcast: News items

Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Farthing with University Chancellor Sanjeev Bhaskar

More than 2,700 students, representing nearly 90 countries, will be conferred with degrees and diplomas at the summer graduation ceremonies next week.

The Chancellor, Sanjeev Bhaskar, will be presiding over the seven ceremonies at the Dome in Brighton from Tuesday (9 July) to Friday (12 July).

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Farthing, said: “It’s a measure not just of the University’s ambition, but also of the hard work of our students that we are seeing a record number of them being justly rewarded for their efforts. I wish them all great success for the future.”

Joining Sussex students this year (at the morning ceremony on Wednesday 10 July) are medics graduating from Brighton and Sussex Medical School.

The University will also be presenting honorary degrees on each of the four days of ceremonies:

Tuesday 9 July

• Adrian Newey OBE, who will be awarded a Doctor of Science in recognition of his outstanding contribution to engineering
• Zhang Xin, a Chinese entrepreneur regarded as one of the world’s most powerful women, who will become a Doctor of Laws in recognition of her contribution to the economic development of China

Wednesday 10 July

• Professor Sir John Tooke, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences, who will be awarded Doctor of the University in recognition of his contribution to medicine
• Dr Tomas Lindahl FRS, a world leading scientist specialising in cancer research, who will be become a Doctor of the University for his contribution to medicine, particularly in relation to cancer research
• Baroness Oona King, House of Lords Peer and former Head of Diversity at Channel 4, who will be awarded Doctor of the University in recognition of public service, particularly in relation to diversity

Thursday 11 July

• Professor Paul Thompson, internationally recognised for his pioneering work in the field of life history, who will be awarded a Doctor of Letters for his contribution to oral history

Friday 12 July

• Dr Prannnoy Roy, India’s best known TV ‘anchorman’ and pioneer of Indian news television, who will be awarded a Doctor of Letters for his contribution to journalism and media
• Professor Dame Wendy Hall, who will be become a Doctor of Science in recognition of her contributions to computer science

During the ceremonies audiences will also have the opportunity to see a video made by final-year Media Practice and Film students: Dominic Hamilton, Louise Griffin, Andrew Parkinson, Tasha Butcher, Michael Laver, Sophie Pike and Morten Watkins.