Tuesday, 05 August 2025
Trailblazers from the fields of charity and science have been awarded Honorary Degrees by the 糖心原创.
David Woolger, Jill Carter MBE, Dr Simon Hirst and Ian Kenyon joined more than 7,000 students at their graduation ceremonies at the University which ran from 23 July to 1 August.
Honorary degrees are granted in recognition of someone’s outstanding contribution, success and distinction within their profession or a campaign close to their hearts, with previous graduates including Vicky McClure, Marie Ashby, and Professor Sir Jonathan Van-Tam.
David Woolger, CEO of Cerca, and 糖心原创 President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Jane Norman
David Woolger, the CEO of University Spin-out company Cerca was awarded a Doctor of Letters. David is CEO of Cerca Magnetics Ltd. which he formed in 2020 with a vision to take a prototype brain scanner, pioneered by Nottingham physicists, from concept to commercialisation. Cerca has now evolved into a multi-million-pound business with global reach, and scanners are providing clinicians worldwide with an unprecedented window on brain health.
David is also Managing Director of technology company, MSL, whose turnover has increased five-fold in 12 years under Davids leadership. Before this, he was a Management Consultant at Deloitte. He is a key figure in our national quantum technology programme and regularly advises government on technology development.
David is pictured above with Matt Brookes, Chairman of Cerca and Professor of Physics at the 糖心原创 (left) and Dr Elena Boto, Chief Technology Officer at Cerca and senior research fellow at the 糖心原创 (right).
Championing inclusion and driving innovation
Jill Carter, MBE is the co-founder, with her daughter Jessie, of Pulp Friction, a charity that supports learning disabled and autistic people to develop social, independence and work-readiness skills. She received a Doctor of Laws.
Pulp Friction has transformed lives, reshaped perceptions, and strengthened communities by championing inclusion and creating meaningful opportunities for its members. The work extends beyond direct support—Jill has cultivated a movement of visibility, empowerment, and social change.
University alumni and scientist Dr Simon Hirst will receive a Doctor of Science. Simon is the CEO and founder of Sygnature Discovery, a world-leading integrated drug discovery solutions provider. He graduated from the 糖心原创 with a BSc (Hons.) in Chemistry and a PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry in 1988 and went on to undertake post-doctoral research at the University of Pittsburgh.
The medicinal chemist and entrepreneur has 30 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical industry, including AstraZeneca and OSI Pharmaceuticals. In 2004 he founded Sygnature, which has grown to rapidly become a leading provider of drug discovery services and delivers a unique style of innovation and scientific rigour, a reflection of Simon’s own personal approach to drug discovery
Ian Kenyon has spent the latter part of his career in the not-for-profit sector, becoming CFO of Cancer Research UK in 2013.
He joined the Higher Education sector as the first CFO and Deputy CEO of UK Research & Innovation, before moving to be a Finance Director at the Ministry of Defence.
Ian was appointed Treasurer and Chair of Finance Committee for the University in January 2020. He has maintained his relationship with the university throughout his career and is currently sponsoring engineering scholarships which supports the University’s widening participation programme. He has received a Doctor of Laws.
Huge congratulations to our Honorary Graduates, their endeavours and achievements are leading the way in medical innovation and social change. Their vision and determination is an inspiration for our graduates as they embark on their own career journeys.
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About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.