Talents and achievements

Professor Chris Day, Vice Chancellor and President of Newcastle University said: “It gives me great pleasure to welcome such dedicated and distinguished figures into our University community.  Their honorary degrees recognise their considerable talents and achievements in their respective fields.”

Professor Jacinta Ruru MNZM

The first ever Māori professor of law, Distinguished Professor Jacinta Ruru is a leader in indigenous people’s rights and indigenous laws. Her particular focus is how law and policy can better enable Māori to contribute towards caring for, owning, managing and governing lands and waters. Professor Ruru is also an expert on decolonisation of New Zealand’s research sector and legal education. 

The inaugural Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Māori, University of Otago, was made an Honorary Doctor of Laws at a ceremony on Tuesday 9 July.

"I’m hugely honoured to be receiving this honorary doctorate today," said Professor Ruru. "It is an enormous privilege to be at this prestigious university on the other side of the world to my home country, and it means so much to me and my family, and all that I have worked for, to receive this honour.  It’s amazing to join with those graduating today, to celebrate our commitment and success in pursuing legal education."

Lord Vaizey of Didcot

Lord Vaizey of Didcot was the longest serving Minister for Culture since the post was created in 1964. During his time in office, he upheld the policy of free entry to the UK’s national museums, and during his tenure the Treasury introduced tax credits for theatre, orchestra and museums. He is a Visiting Professor of Practice at Newcastle University Business School and chaired the strategic advisory board of Creative Fuse North East.

The politician, media columnist, political commentator and barrister, was made an Honorary Doctor of Civil Law.

"Through Creative Fuse North East, I saw first-hand how effective Newcastle University has been in advancing the creative industries and the arts in the North East," Lord Vaizey said. "To have my work and association with the University recognised in this way really is a huge honour."

Andrew Haldane MBE

The former Chief Economist at the Bank of England and a member of the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee, Andrew Haldane was the Government’s Permanent Secretary for Levelling Up from September 2021 to March 2022. He is co-founder and President of the Pro Bono-Economics charity, which strives to encourage economists to aid charities on a voluntary basis.

The Chief Executive of the Royal Society of Arts was made an Honorary Doctor of Science at a ceremony on Friday 12 July.

“As someone born in the North East and who continues to champion the region, I am absolutely thrilled to be honoured by the University of Newcastle," Andrew Haldane said. "They are one of the jewels in the crown of the North East, and their success will be crucial in driving the region’s success. It is great to be able to contribute to that success.”