Graduate returns to University of Leicester to collect award for an outstanding international career

A University of Leicester Politics graduate has returned to his alma mater to receive an honorary away in recognition of an outstanding international career.

Dr Duncan Wood is a globally recognised expert on international affairs, North American cooperation, and strategic supply chains.

With more than three decades of experience spanning academia, think tank leadership, and civil society engagement, Dr Wood has shaped public discourse on issues ranging from trade and energy to critical minerals and geopolitical risk.

Today (Wednesday 16 July), he accepted an honorary Doctorate of Laws award from the University during a graduation ceremony, held at De Montfort Hall.

Dr Wood said: “I am so happy to receive this recognition from the University of Leicester, an institution that transformed my life. The learning environment was ideal for my personality and the friendships and associations that I made have lasted a lifetime. It is a unique place that I hold dear to my heart and I look forward to strengthening our relationship.”

Dr Wood is the CEO of Hurst International Consulting LLC and previously served as President of the Pacific Council on International Policy, in Los Angeles.

He’s held senior positions including Vice President for Strategy and New Initiatives at the Wilson Center in Washington, DC, where he also directed the centre’s Mexico Institute. Dr Wood has advised governments, corporations, and multilateral institutions on economic competitiveness, sustainability and regional integration. A political economist by training, he has authored 13 books, numerous reports and op-eds and frequently provides commentary in English and Spanish-language media.

Originally from the UK where he received his BA (Hons) in Politics from Leicester, Dr Wood earned his MA at McMaster University and his PhD in Political Studies from Queen’s University in Canada. 

He spent almost two decades in Mexico as a professor at the Mexican Autonomous Institute of Technology (Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México or ITAM) and continues to promote cross-border collaboration through his consultancy work. He was also the co-owner of a speakeasy in Mexico City.

A passionate advocate for smart policy, inclusive dialogue, and evidence-based solutions, Dr Wood has testified several times before the US Congress as well as the UK Parliaments and contributed to policy reforms in multiple countries. He has ongoing projects with the World Economic Forum and is a board member of several civil society organisations. His current work focuses on the intersection of energy, technology, and national security in the Americas.

President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester, Professor Nishan Canagarajah, said: “It was particularly gratifying to see one of our very own alumnus walk across the stage once more at a graduation, to receive this well-earned award.

“Dr Wood’s expertise has helped to inform and shape policy both in the US and here in the UK. A smart thinker, he’s been the go-to person for countless governments, corporations, and institutions who are in need of someone who can deliver workable solutions to issues they might face. 

“His impact cannot be underestimated, and it’s wonderful to think the University of Leicester was the springboard to a truly outstanding career.”