Television presenter Matt Baker will be among the leaders in their fields to receive honorary degrees from the University in January 2025.
County Durham-born Matt is best known for presenting the popular BBC television shows Blue Peter, Countryfile and The One Show.
He will be made an honorary Doctor of Science during our Winter Congregation ceremonies held at Durham Cathedral on January 9th and 10th.
Physics, law and education
We're also awarding honorary degrees to astrophysicist Professor George Efstathiou, Sir Jonathan Jones KCB KC (Hon) and former college principal Suzanne Duncan.
Professor Efstathiou, a Durham alumnus, was an original proponent of the 'Cold Dark Matter' theory on the origin of galaxies which went on to become the Standard Model of cosmology.
Fellow Durham alumni Sir Jonathan Jones KCB KC (Hon) has enjoyed a distinguished legal career.
He was appointed honorary King's Counsel in 2019 and made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB) for public service in 2020.
Sir Jonathan will be made a Doctor of Civil Law at January's ceremony.
Championing North East England
Suzanne Duncan, former principal and chief executive officer of East Durham College, will be awarded her honorary degree posthumously.
Suzanne, who led East Durham College for 12-years, sadly died in September 2024 after a short illness.
As well as overseeing multi-million-pound investments in East Durham College, Suzanne was instrumental in developing the Durham Learning Alliance.
The Alliance involves Durham University and four County Durham colleges working together to expand education opportunities in North East England.
With her family's blessing, Suzanne will be made a Doctor of Letters.
Inspiring careers
Professor Karen O'Brien, Vice-Chancellor of Durham University, said: "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."
Main image shows from left to right: Professor George Efstathiou, Suzanne Duncan, Matt Baker and Sir Jonathan Jones
