Distinguished figures in mathematics, engineering, business and pharmaceuticals honoured

A mathematician who has helped transform our understanding of population genetics, one of the most eminent chemical engineers in China, and leading international innovators in biotechnology and retail marketing have been awarded Honorary Degrees from Heriot-Watt University as part of its 2025 winter graduation programme.

Alison Etheridge and Martin Mackay both received the honorary title, Doctor of Science. Doctor of Engineering was conferred on Jinghai Li and Doctor of the University on Tom Hendren during ceremonies at the University’s Edinburgh campus.

Dame Alison Etheridge is Professor of Probability at the University of Oxford, where she holds a joint appointment in the Departments of Mathematics and Statistics. Over the course of her career, her research interests have ranged from abstract mathematical problems to concrete applications, including the modelling of population genetics.

Aside from her impressive academic achievements, Professor Etheridge is known for her leadership and deep commitment to raising the profile of her subject. She has served on almost every major national scientific committee in her field and became the first president of the Academy for the Mathematical Sciences. Earlier this year, in recognition of her services to the subject, Professor Etheridge was appointed a Dame Commander of the British Empire (DBE).

Dr Martin Mackay has worked in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries for more than 30 years, leading research and development at companies such as Pfizer, Astra Zenieca and Alexion. He is the co-founder and chairman of the board of Rallybio which was formed in 2018 to develop therapies for patients with exceptionally rare diseases. He is a Scientific Advisor at Pivotal BioVenture Partners and a board member of Charles River Laboratories International. He sits on the board of Sail Biomedicines and is on the External Advisory Board of Boston Children’s Hospital.

Brought up in Longstone, near Heriot-Watt's Edinburgh campus, Dr Mackay joined the University as an undergraduate. Fifty years on the connection continues, now as a Visiting Professor. Dr Mackay has a first-class degree in Microbiology, as well as a PhD in Molecular Genetics from the University of Edinburgh.

Professor Jinghai Li, FRS, FREng, FIChemE, is known for developing the Energy Minimisation Multi-Scale (EMMS) model for gas-solid systems. The computational framework is a powerful tool now widely used in the chemical and energy industries. Professor Li’s research has also helped advance clean coal technologies and promotes the concept of Mesoscience, which advocates a wider scientific approach or interdisciplinary research.

Prominent in his field, Jinghai Li is Professor of Process Engineering at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and has served as president of the National Natural Science Foundation of China. He is the current president of the International Panel of Mesoscience and a former vice president of the International Science Council. The Academician has been an Honorary Professor at Heriot-Watt since 2018.

Tom Hendren is currently Executive Advisor and Board Member of Array Marketing, a Toronto headquartered global provider of retail merchandising solutions with an emphasis on sustainability. During 25 years as partner, CEO and Executive Chairman he has been instrumental in establishing Array’s international manufacturing, commercial and client service capabilities, expanding operations across North and South America, Europe and Asia. Mr Hendren has also previously held senior financial and operational positions at Campbell Soup Company. He is a strategic advisor to multiple international brands and companies, as well as Head of Business Development (North America) for Celtic Football Club.

Mr Hendren has actively supported Heriot-Watt for more than a decade. As an Honorary Professor of Marketing, he frequently lectures on global retail merchandising and has personally funded internships for Heriot-Watt students.

Professor Richard A. Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, congratulated the recipients: “Their remarkable achievements — spanning mathematics, chemical engineering, biotechnology and international business — demonstrate how deep expertise and creative thinking can change industries and improve lives around the world.

We are proud to recognise their contributions and to celebrate them as part of our global community.”

The winter graduation ceremonies for 2025 were held at the Edinburgh campus between 29^th November and 2^nd December.

A total of seven ceremonies marked the academic achievement of students from the School of Social Sciences, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, the School of Energy Geoscience Infrastructure and Society, and School of Textiles and Design.