Oxford University held its prestigious Encaenia ceremony on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, granting honorary degrees to eight exceptional individuals. Among the esteemed recipients were

Michelle Bachelet, former President of Chile; Lyse Doucet, BBC's Chief International Correspondent; and other renowned personalities, all selected for their exemplary achievements across various fields.

One of the honorees, Professor Frances Arnold, a distinguished American chemical engineer and Nobel Prize laureate, was recognized for her groundbreaking work in directed evolution methods, which revolutionized enzyme creation for sustainable applications in chemistry. Currently holding the Linus Pauling Professorship at the California Institute of Technology, Professor Arnold has made remarkable contributions to her field.

Michelle Bachelet, the former President of Chile and notable United Nations' High Commissioner for Human Rights, received an honorary degree in acknowledgment of her outstanding leadership. Bachelet's commendable efforts in championing social protections for women and children, marine conservation, renewable energy production, and gender equality earned her this prestigious recognition.

Lyse Doucet CM OBE, the Chief International Correspondent for the BBC, was honored for her exceptional career in journalism. With extensive experience reporting from conflict zones such as Ukraine and Afghanistan, Doucet has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to delivering unbiased news coverage. Her dedication has been recognized through numerous awards and accolades.

Another esteemed recipient, Professor Stephen Furber CBE FRS FREng, the ICL Professor of Computer Engineering at the University of Manchester, was acknowledged for his significant contributions to computer science. His expertise lies in asynchronous and low-power systems, as well as neural systems engineering, making him a key figure in advancing these fields.

Professor Paul Gilroy, a distinguished cultural and social theorist holding the position of Professor of Humanities at University College London, was honored for his thought-provoking scholarship on racism and racialization. Gilroy's impactful research has made a profound impact in academia, leading to prestigious awards and honorary doctorates.

Val McDermid FRSE FRSL, an accomplished journalist and bestselling author, received recognition for her outstanding literary career. Known for her captivating crime novels, which have been translated into over 40 languages, McDermid has established herself as a leading figure in the genre, captivating millions of readers worldwide.

Professor Malik Peiris SBS FRS FRCP FRCPath FFPH, a distinguished virologist from the University of Hong Kong's School of Public Health, was granted an honorary degree for his pivotal role in identifying the novel coronavirus responsible for the 2003 SARS outbreak. His research has significantly contributed to the understanding and combating of emerging viral diseases.

Lastly, Professor Sir Simon Schama CBE FBA FRHistS FRSL, an eminent historian, author, and presenter, was honored for his extensive contributions to art history and history. With an impressive portfolio of 19 books and a multitude of critically acclaimed documentaries for BBC television, Schama's work has garnered international recognition.

The Encaenia ceremony, an age-old tradition at Oxford University, has been awarding honorary degrees since 1478. Each year, it celebrates distinguished individuals and pays tribute to the university's benefactors on the Wednesday of the ninth week during Trinity Term. Photo by Zhushenje, Wikimedia commons.