Honorary graduates January 2018 Maggie Philbin

Maggie Philbin, presenter of the much-loved children’s TV show Multi-Coloured Swap Shop and science and technology programme Tomorrow’s World, received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from our University at our graduation ceremonies on Thursday 25 January.

As well as working in radio and television for over 30 years on a wide range of science, medical and technology programmes, she is President of the Institute of Engineering Designers and co-founder and CEO of TeenTech CIC. In 2016 Maggie was named as the Most Influential Woman in UKIT by Computer Weekly Magazine and was also named as 2016 Digital Leader of the Year for her work with TeenTech.

She said: "It’s a real honour to accept this honorary degree in my home city. As a teenager I had some memorable nights out on the campus watching live bands. Later on, when working for Tomorrow’s World I felt especially proud when we covered stories featuring the work of scientists and engineers from the University. So this has a very real resonance for me. My sister will be watching and I know my lovely Mum and Dad would have been very, very proud too.”

Watch the oration for Maggie Philbin and her response online:

Watch the full degree congregation at 11am, Thursday 25 January: