Dr Una Ryan, OBE, formerly President and CEO, AVANT Immunotherapeutics (from 1996 to 2008), and a Bristol graduate, will be honoured with the degree of Doctor of Science at the 11.15 am ceremony.

Dr Ryan is currently CEO of Waltham Technologies, a company dedicated to the development of bio-engineered algae to purify contaminated water. Dr Ryan has received many honours. In 2002 she received an OBE for her services to research, development and promotion of biotechnology. In 2007 she was a recipient of the Albert Einstein award for the development of new vaccines for serious global infectious diseases and for her leadership in the biotechnology industry. She has been highly praised for her role in promoting biotechnology through both the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council and the Washington DC-based Biotechnology Industry Organisation.

Professor Chris Rapley, CBE, Director, Science Museum and former Director, British Antarctic Survey, will be honoured with the degree of Doctor of Science at the 2.30 pm ceremony.

Chris has been a lecturer, reader, professor, and then Associate Director of the Mullard Space Science Laboratory. During his time he has published over 150 scientific papers and reports. He went on to lead the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme in Stockholm, then direct the British Antarctic Survey for ten years, which included launching the hugely successful ‘International Polar Year’ in 2007. Now he is Director of the Science Museum.

An honorary degree is a major accolade, awarded in recognition of outstanding achievement and distinction in a field or activity consonant with the University’s mission.