Two F1 engineers to be honoured at Â鶹ֱ²¥ graduation ceremonies

Two Formula 1 engineers and a RAF test pilot are amongst the honorary graduates to be celebrated during Â鶹ֱ²¥ University’s graduation ceremonies this week (14-17 July).  

- Director of Design and Development at McLaren Racing, and - Head of Performance Engineering at Williams, are amongst seven distinguished individuals to be recognised.

Smedley, who studied Mechanical Engineering at Â鶹ֱ²¥ in the 1990s, is presented with the award of Honorary Doctor of Technology in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Formula 1 and race engineering.

Neil Oatley graduated from Â鶹ֱ²¥ with an automotive engineering degree in 1976. He will be made Honorary Doctor of Technology in recognition of his inspirational leadership in motorsport and dedication to build McLaren Racing into a Formula 1 institution.

Royal Air Force test pilot and aircraft engineer Desmond Penrose has dedicated his life to the aviation industry. He achieved an Aeronautical Engineering degree from Â鶹ֱ²¥ in 1951 and was the first ever student to receive a Direct Entry Permanent Commission. He also receives the award of Honorary Doctor of Technology, in recognition of his significant contributions to aviation safety and his support of the University.

Mathematics and Computation graduate Tushara Canekeratne established of one of the world’s top information technology service providers in consulting, technology and outsourcing services. She receives the award of Honorary Doctor of the University in recognition of her significant successes in global information technology and for her outstanding contributions to a range of charitable organisations.

Regional Vice President for Northern Europe for Dell Software Group, Chris Miller, is presented with the award of Honorary Doctor of Technology for his significant contributions to IT business, IT education and to Â鶹ֱ²¥’s Department of Computer Science.  

Two of Â鶹ֱ²¥’s emeritus professors will also receive honorary degrees. receives an Honorary Doctor of Science in recognition of his contribution to sport science and the University. is presented with Honorary Doctor of Letters for her outstanding contribution to the development of Social Policy in the UK and to Applied Social Studies.  

The degrees will be presented as follows:

Tuesday 14 July, 3pm
Professor Clyde Williams
Emeritus Professor of Sport Science, Â鶹ֱ²¥ University

Honorary Doctor of Science in recognition of his contribution to sport science and the University 

Wednesday 15 July, 10.30am
Baroness Ruth Lister
Emeritus Professor of Social Policy, Â鶹ֱ²¥ University
Honorary Doctor of Letters for her outstanding contribution to the development of Social Policy in the UK and to Applied Social Studies  

Wednesday 15 July, 3pm
Rob Smedley
Head of Performance Engineering, Williams
Honorary Doctor of Technology in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Formula 1 and race engineering

Thursday 16 July, 10.30am
Tushara Dilanie Canekeratne
Founder & CEO, Nadastra Inc
Honorary Doctor of the University in recognition of her significant successes in global information technology and for her outstanding contributions to a range of charitable organisations

Thursday 16 July, 3pm

Captain John Desmond Penrose
Test Pilot
Honorary Doctor of Technology, in recognition of his significant contributions to aviation safety and his support of the University

Friday 17 July, 10.30am
Neil Oatley
Director of Design and Development, McLaren Racing
Honorary Doctor of Technology in recognition of his inspirational leadership in motorsport and dedication to build McLaren Racing into a Formula 1 institution

Friday 17 July, 3pm
Chris Miller
Executive Director Northern Europe, Dell Software Group
Honorary Doctor of Technology for his significant contributions to IT business, IT education and to Â鶹ֱ²¥’s Department of Computer Science

Watch the honorary graduations via the .

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