Honorary graduates exemplify the highest levels of achievement in their spheres of activity and reflect our inspirational Durham community.
Honorary awards are nominated by members of University staff and approved by our Senate. They are conferred at our Winter or Summer Congregation ceremonies when thousands of our students officially graduate from the University.
This celebration of our honorary graduates’ achievements acts as a great example to our students as they set out on their own paths into the world.
Explore the recipients of Durham University's Honorary Degrees and Awards for Winter Congregation 2026.
Biography: Yasmin is the founder and director of the Halo Project, an award-winning charity supporting Black and minoritised victims and survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence and honour-based abuse since 2011.
Author of the first ever police super-complaint, Yasmin has pushed for police reform highlighting institutional failures in investigating sexual abuse within Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities.
Yasmin has established the Student Halo Hub at Durham University, providing student safety on campus and awareness to students.
She is the National Adviser to the Welsh Government on violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence. She served as an independent panel member for the London Fire Brigade Culture Review, bringing her expertise in organisational transformation and equality to address systemic discrimination within public services.
Yasmin will be awarded a Doctor of Civil Law on Thursday, 8 January at 12pm.
Biography: Having read geography at Hatfield College, Andrew Burns has had a stellar career in the Royal Navy, becoming one of its most senior and admired officers.
Throughout his career, he has commanded ships, led international task forces and contributed significantly to the UK Defence Strategy and strategy development. He was promoted to Vice Admiral and took up the post of Fleet Commander in 2021, where he was responsible for global operations.
He was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2015 Birthday Honours and Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) in the 2021 Birthday Honours.
Andrew made a welcome visit to Durham University in early 2025, engaging with staff, students and spin-out companies.
Andrew will be awarded a Doctor of Science on Thursday, 8 January at 3pm.
Biography: Heather is a lifelong community champion who has contributed hugely to society in County Durham.
During the Miners’ Strike of 1984-85, she created women’s support groups to provide crucial support for striking miners and their families. Later, she was elected to Durham County Council.
She has also worked and campaigned for older people, the conservation of local heritage, and the maintenance of public services and amenities. Heather has toured with plays locally and internationally, working with British film maker Ken Loach.
She published her autobiography ‘Just a Pit Lass’ in 2023.
Heather will be awarded a Master of Arts on Friday, 9 January at 10am.
Biography: A highly respected businessman, property developer and philanthropist whose distinguished career spans business, football, education and charitable work, Sir Bob has combined entrepreneurial vision with a deep commitment to community and regional development.
Born in 1946 in County Durham, into a fourth-generation mining family, Sir Bob’s early journey was shaped by resilience and determination. Leaving school with just one O-Level and experiencing a year of unemployment, he returned to education — a decision that ignited a lifelong ambition to succeed and to champion education as a pathway for others.
After founding several successful businesses, he became Chairman of Sunderland AFC in 1986. He guided the club to two top-seven Premier League finishes and an FA Cup Final in 1992. His most enduring legacy was the development of the Stadium of Light (1997) and the Academy of Light (2003), two landmark projects that remain central to the Club’s identity and to football in the region.
In 2001, Sir Bob founded the Foundation of Light, one of the UK’s largest football charities.
Sir Bob’s belief in the power of education to change lives has also shaped his wider work. Since 2013, he has served as Chancellor of Leeds Beckett University, championing access, opportunity and excellence in higher education.
Sir Bob will be awarded a Doctor of Letters on Friday, 9 January at 3pm.
Congregation is an annual event at Durham. The ceremonies allow our students to celebrate all they have achieved in their time at university, not only academic, but social and pastoral too.
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