Durham University to honour sector leaders

Durham University is set to recognise distinguished individuals in science, education and law during its Winter Congregation ceremonies in January 2025.

The university will award honorary degrees to leaders in their fields, including television presenter Matt Baker, astrophysicist Professor George Efstathiou, legal expert Sir Jonathan Jones, and former college principal Suzanne Duncan.

Matt Baker, a County Durham native known for hosting Blue Peter, The One Show and Countryfile, will receive an honorary Doctor of Science. Professor Efstathiou, a Durham alumnus and key contributor to the Standard Model of cosmology, will also be awarded a Doctor of Science.

Matt said: “To have an association with one of the finest universities in the world is a wonderful honour. 

“My County Durham teachers will be so proud and my old school friends will never believe I’m Dr Baker. 

Thank you to the Durham people, places and schools that made me who I am.” 

Professor Efstathiou added: “I started my PhD in Durham in 1976 and immediately fell in love with the town, the people, the magnificent cathedral and the University. 

“I joined a new Cosmology group led by Richard Ellis which was small, very enthusiastic and unhindered by orthodox thinking. This is where I learned how to do research. 

“Durham played a critical role in my life and I am especially honoured to receive this recognition, which I much appreciate.” 

Sir Jonathan Jones, a distinguished lawyer and former King’s Counsel, will receive a Doctor of Civil Law. Suzanne Duncan, former principal of East Durham College and a driving force behind the Durham Learning Alliance, will be awarded, with her family’s blessing, a posthumous Doctor of Letters for her contributions to education in the North East.

Sir Jonathan said: “I am delighted and proud to receive an honorary doctorate in civil law from Durham University. 

“It’s a huge privilege to be honoured by such a distinguished institution. 

“I have very fond memories of my time as an undergraduate at Durham and have been glad to renew my relationship with the Law School and St Chad’s in recent years. I look forward to that continuing.” 

Steve Duncan, Suzanne’s husband, added: “When Suzanne received notification of the award she cried, she was honoured. 

“She felt that it was her greatest career achievement and the best recognition of her work and sacrifices she made. 

“As a family we are immensely proud of Suzanne’s achievements, and the legacy she has left behind. 

“She sacrificed so much over the years to provide better opportunities for others through education. We only wish she could be here to accept her award herself.” 

The ceremonies will take place at Durham Cathedral on 9-10 January.

Professor Karen O’Brien, vice- chancellor of Durham University, added: "Our honorary graduates are leaders in their fields and exemplify our ethos of inspiring the extraordinary.  

“Our graduating students can look to these figures for inspiration as they leave the University to forge their own careers across many different fields.  

“On a personal level, I’m pleased that we’re able to honour the contribution that Suzanne Duncan has made to education here in North East England.  

“Suzanne helped thousands of young people achieve their ambitions throughout her career and was passionate about forming the Durham Learning Alliance which will continue that legacy.”  

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