Pride as Honorary Doctorates bestowed on two key figures during Graduation

The latest recipients of Honorary Doctorates from the University of Huddersfield described receiving their award as the “privilege of my life” and “a profound honour”.

Mark Fisher, CEO for NHS Greater Manchester and Professor Didier Jourdan, Co-Chair Holder of the UNESCO Chair “Global Health and Education”, joined hundreds of graduating students at ceremonies on campus to receive their honorary awards.

Mr Fisher, who moved to his current role in 2022 following an extensive career in the civil service, was presented with an award of Doctor of the University in recognition of his outstanding achievements in civic duty and public service.

During a speech, he spoke of his long-standing role on the University’s Council and its Estates and Finance Committee: “I've done a large number of things in my public service career, but very few things have given me as much pleasure as working for the last 18 years as part of this fantastic institution. If I needed reminding why that is such a privilege, it was to see all these wonderful people receive their awards and graduate from here.

“My role may be about estates and finance, but this University is not about its buildings or money; it is about the fantastic careers we can give these amazing people. It is a complete privilege to see all of you receive your degrees, as it is for me to receive mine; it is a privilege of my life to be here.”

Professor Jourdan was presented with an award of Doctor of the University in recognition of his outstanding contribution to health promotion practice, education and research, for improving the lives of students and teachers worldwide, and for his commitment to lifelong learning for health.

He is a Professor at the University of Clermont Auvergne in France, which, alongside the University of Huddersfield, co-hosts the UNESCO Chair GHE, and is a leading European expert in public health, as well as the former Director of the Prevention and Health Promotion Division of Public Health France.

He spoke of what a “profound honour” it was to become part of the University of Huddersfield family.

“I would like to say that this honour, for me, is not solely a personal milestone. It is the celebration of a shared purpose. There is a deep kinship between the University of Huddersfield and the University of Clermont, a joint belief that education and health are inextricably linked, and that both are essential to human flourishing.

“The UNESCO Chair and WHO Collaborating Centre, Nicola Gray, Goof Buijs and I have the privilege to lead, was built on the conviction that progress comes from combining knowledge, innovation, partnership and unwavering belief in possibility.”

Both honorary recipients attended a special graduation lunch alongside the University’s Chancellor, Sir George Buckley, and Vice-Chancellor Professor Bob Cryan, to celebrate the success of the graduating students, as well as welcoming the new Honorary Doctors.

Professor Jourdan also delivered a masterclass, held on campus, on Demystifying Epistemology: Understanding How We Know in Research. The session explored the concept of epistemology in simple terms; the main “types of knowledge” found in all research: scientific, experiential, and professional; how different disciplines and research communities define what counts as valid or robust knowledge; and why “epistemological pluralism” – valuing different ways of knowing – is essential for today’s complex research questions.

Both were awarded honorary doctorates at separate ceremonies that took place in the University’s Oastler Building on 11 November.

Each year, the University of Huddersfield bestows honorary awards on notable individuals who have attained success and recognition in their chosen field.

For details on how to submit a nomination for a future award, please click here.