Two of the world’s leading thinkers were honoured at Dundee University’s winter graduations.
The university hosted the prestigious World Cultural Council annual award ceremony during its own graduation ceremony in the Caird Hall on Thursday.
Graduands and their guests saw the Albert Einstein World Award of Science presented to Professor Ewine Fleur van Dishoeck of the Leiden Observatory in the Netherlands, and the Leonardo da Vinci World Award of Arts given to Professor Milton Masciadri of Georgia University.
Dundee University was chosen to host the awards as Sir Philip Cohen, from its School of Life Sciences, won the Albert Einstein prize last year.
Professor Van Dishoeck is an expert in molecular astrophysics who was selected for the award because of her contribution to understanding the universe at the atomic level.
Professor Masciadri’s award is in recognition of his multi-faceted career as a performing artist, cultural ambassador, educator, international leader and author and for his contributions towards disseminating culture as a Unesco Artist for Peace.
Six talented early-career researchers, all of whom are female and three of whom are based at Dundee University received World Cultural Council Diplomas in recognition of the international impact they have already achieved through their research.
“We are privileged to host the 32nd World Cultural Council award ceremony, and this accolade makes winter graduation even more special,” said Professor Sir Pete Downes, principal and vice-chancellor of the university.
“The fact that our graduating students shared a stage with two distinguished world leaders in their respective fields will, I’m sure, prove an inspiration to them as they begin their own careers.”
More than 1,000 students are graduating from Dundee University during its winter graduation ceremonies, which conclude today.