NTU president conferred honorary degree

SINGAPORE - Nanyang Technological University's president, Professor Bertil Andersson, has been conferred an honorary degree by Edinburgh University.

The world renowned biochemist was conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science by the University's Vice Chancellor Professor Sir Timothy O'Shea on Saturday, June 29 at McEwan Hall, the university's historic graduating hall.

Prof Andersson was recognised for fostering closer ties between NTU and Edinburgh University, the enduring impact of his pioneering work on the artificial leaf, and his contributions to the advancement of knowledge through the highly influential positions that he has held over the years.

Professor Harold Kroto, who won the 1996 Nobel Prize in Chemistry and DuPont Chair and Chief Executive Officer Mrs Ellen J Kullman, ranked the world's fourth most powerful woman in 2011 by Forbes magazine, were also given honorary degrees by the university.

Just last month, the NTU president also received an honorary degree from South Korea's Hanyang University, and in 2011, from Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Symbiosis International University (India), and the University of New South Wales.

Commenting on his award, Professor Andersson said, "This award by Edinburgh University is a great honour not only for me, but also for NTU.

"The University has risen high and fast in the last two years to become one of the world's top 50 universities.

"Singapore can be proud that NTU's Chemistry programme, which is less than 10 years old, ranks among the world's top 50 for Chemistry, on par with established universities such as Edinburgh with a much longer and deeper track record in the subject."