Eminent US scholars awarded honorary degrees
A distinguished marine biologist, and a leader in the field of gender studies have each received honorary degrees at Edinburgh.
Trailblazing oceanographer and author Sylvia Alice Earle was awarded the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science in a ceremony at Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation.
Prominent scientist
Dr Earle is widely regarded as one of the world’s most prominent marine biologists. She has been a National Geographic explorer-in-residence since 1998.
Dr Earle was the first female chief scientist of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. She was named by Time Magazine as its first Hero for the Planet in 1998.
The award, presented by Vice-Principal Professor Richard Kenway, is in recognition of Dr Earle’s achievements as a scientist, explorer, leader and advocate.
Dr Earle’s commitment to exploring for new knowledge of the ocean, for advocating for the preservation of its species and ecosystems, and for supporting students, align with the mission of this University.
Acclaimed historian Professor Joan Wallach Scott of Princeton's Institute for Advanced Study was awarded the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science (Social Science) in a ceremony in the PlayFair Library.
Groundbreaking work
Professor Scott, Professor Emerita, has received world – wide recognition for her groundbreaking work in feminist and gender theory.
She is the author of more than 20 books and more than 70 articles, including the essay ‘Gender: A useful Category of Historical Analysis’. It is widely thought to have revolutionised the study of gender, and continues to inspire teaching and research.
Professor Scott has worked extensively on promoting academic freedom and is former Chair of the Committee of Academic Freedom and Tenure of the American Association of University Professors.
Distinguished career
She has received numerous awards and honours throughout her distinguished career. These include the Academic Freedom Award of the Middle East Studies Association and the Talcott Parsons Prize from the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
The award, presented by the University's Principal and Vice Chancellor, Professor Peter Mathieson, is in recognition of Professor Scott’s distinguished contribution to critical history, gender studies and academic freedom.
Professor Scott’s impact has been wide reaching, turning established orthodoxies on their heads and making foundational contributions to new fields such as gender history and politics and feminist thought.
After the presentation Professor Scott presented a Public Lecture titled “Gender and Politics”.