Champions of ethical finance and homelessness reform honoured with doctorates from Heriot-Watt
An entrepreneur driving global efforts in ethical finance and a leading figure in Scotland’s campaign to end homelessness have been awarded Honorary Degrees from Heriot-Watt University as part of its 2025 summer graduation programme.
Dr Omar Shaikh, co-founder of the Global Ethical Finance Initiative (GEFI), and Maggie Brünjes, Chief Executive of Homeless Network Scotland, received their honorary titles at ceremonies held at the University’s Edinburgh campus this week. Both were conferred with Doctor of Letters.
We are proud to honour Dr Omar Shaikh and Maggie Brünjes, two outstanding individuals whose work exemplifies the values of purpose, compassion and global impact that Heriot-Watt holds dear.
Dr Shaikh, a Chartered Accountant, is recognised as a global leader in ethical and faith-based finance. His work focuses on aligning financial systems with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and sustainability principles to drive positive societal impact. A key figure in the development of Islamic finance in the UK, Dr Shaikh has played a pivotal role through the UK Islamic Finance Council (UKIFC) and has helped establish influential platforms including the Ethical Finance Roundtable series, the UN SDG Hive and the Global Ethical Finance Summit, held in Edinburgh.
These efforts led to the founding of the Ethical Finance Hub, an initiative backed by Heriot-Watt University and the Scottish Government, which has since evolved into GEFI, a leading international voice in sustainable finance.
Islamic banking, a key component of Dr Shaikh’s work, operates on principles that prohibit the charging of interest, instead fostering systems based on profit and loss sharing. His honorary degree recognises his significant contributions to advancing ethical and faith-aligned approaches to finance.
Accepting his honorary degree, Dr Shaikh said: “It’s a privilege to receive this recognition from Heriot-Watt University, which played a key role in supporting the early stages of our work. I’m proud that Edinburgh has become a global leader for ethical and faith-based finance and is driving an international movement for values-driven finance which better aligns people and planet alongside profit.”
Maggie Brünjes has dedicated more than 25 years to tackling homelessness in Scotland. Since 2010, she has led Homeless Network Scotland, the national body uniting organisations to deliver evidence-based solutions and advocate for a Scotland where everyone has a home.
She has co-created several transformative initiatives, including Housing First Scotland (2016), the UK-wide Centre for Homelessness Impact (2018), the Everyone Home Collective (2020), and Fair Way Scotland (2022). Her leadership as a member of the Ministerial Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Action Group helped shape Scotland’s national plan to end homelessness, and she continues to influence policy through multiple national forums and advisory bodies.
Ms Brünjes is also a long-standing supporter of I-SPHERE, Heriot-Watt’s world-renowned research centre specialising in homelessness and other forms of extreme disadvantage. Her strategic use of evidence and commitment to systems change make her a fitting recipient of this recognition.
Accepting her award, Maggie said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition from Heriot-Watt University.
“The Institute for Social Policy, Housing and Equalities Research leads global efforts to address housing disadvantage and social inequality, with their relentless pursuit of knowledge directing transformative change in Scotland, the UK and beyond.
“I am inspired by them and the exceptional team at Homeless Network Scotland, with whom I’m proud to share this recognition.”
Professor Richard A. Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, congratulated both recipients, stating: “We are proud to honour Dr Omar Shaikh and Maggie Brünjes, two outstanding individuals whose work exemplifies the values of purpose, compassion and global impact that Heriot-Watt holds dear.
“Dr Shaikh’s pioneering leadership in ethical and sustainable finance is reshaping global investment towards a more responsible future. Maggie Brünjes has brought about lasting, system-wide change in the fight against homelessness, inspiring policy and partnerships across Scotland and beyond.
“Their achievements are not only impressive but deeply meaningful, and we are delighted to welcome them into the Heriot-Watt community."
The Summer graduation ceremonies for 2025 were held at the Edinburgh campus between Monday 16 June and Friday 20 June.
A total of 12 ceremonies marked the academic achievement of students from the Edinburgh Business School and the School of Social Sciences, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, and the School of Energy Geoscience Infrastructure and Society.
A separate graduation ceremony was held on Friday June 13 in Galashiels recognising the achievements of students belonging to the School of Textiles and Design.