Honorary Doctors

Facts

An honorary doctorate (or doctor honoris causa in Latin) is an academic title awarded by a university to a person who has made significant contributions in a particular field, without having completed a doctoral degree through the traditional process of study and dissertation.

The purpose is to:

• Recognise outstanding achievements in science, culture, society, or business.
• Strengthen ties between the university and society beyond academia.
• Occasionally, honour alumni, research collaborators, or others who have had a significant impact on the university's activities.

Examples of Individuals Who May Be Awarded an Honorary Doctorate

• An artist who has made a major cultural impact.
• A business leader who has promoted innovation and collaboration with the university.
• A researcher from another country with close and long-standing cooperation with university researchers.

Important to Know

• An honorary doctor does not receive the right to teach or conduct research in the capacity of a doctoral degree holder – it is a symbolic title.
• The appointment usually takes place during the university’s annual academic ceremony or doctoral conferment.