Australian music icon among honorary degrees

Tuesday, 16 September 2014

Adelaide-bred singer songwriter Paul Kelly will be one of four distinguished recipients of honorary degrees at the University of Adelaide's September graduation ceremonies this week.

Paul Kelly, Australian inventor and engineer Professor Neil Weste, Papua New Guinea (PNG) medical pioneer Dr Roy Scragg OBE and leading plant scientist Professor Dabing Zhang from Shanghai Jaio Tong University will join more than 1,100 students at graduation ceremonies in Bonython Hall from Tuesday to Thursday 16-18 September.

Paul Kelly (on Tuesday morning, 16 September) will be awarded a Doctor of Arts (honoris causa) in acknowledgement of his "exceptionally distinguished service to society", recognising his contribution to Australian music and creative writing, community service through benefits and fund-raising and his significant collaborations with Indigenous Australian musicians and filmmakers.

Paul Kelly is regarded by his fellow music industry professionals as without peer in Australia and is internationally renowned for his song compositions, creative writing and recorded music performance.

Professor Neil Weste (on Tuesday afternoon, 16 September) will be awarded a Doctor of Engineering (honoris causa). He pioneered seminal developments in integrated circuit design tools leading to the development and commercialisation of specialised computer integrated circuits and systems-on-a-chip for wireless communication.

Dr Roy Scragg OBE, a graduate of the University of Adelaide, (on Wednesday morning, 17 September) will be awarded a Doctor of the University (honoris causa). Dr Scragg spent 27 years in PNG, including directing the expansion of medical care, research, prevention and education in that country. He was Foundation Professor of Social and Preventative Medicine at the PNG University and was pivotal in fostering epidemiological inquiry leading to major improvements in healthcare.

Professor Dabing Zhang (on Wednesday afternoon, 17 September) will be awarded a Doctor of Science (honoris causa). Professor Dabing Zhang is a world-recognised scientist in rice genetics and his work has opened the door to novel varieties of higher yielding rice -a significant impact on food security. He has also facilitated unique collaborations between Shanghai Jaio Tong University and the University of Adelaide and the creation of a joint masters degree.

"Graduation ceremonies are the culmination of students' years of dedication and hard work and, as they start their next phase in life, and it's a pleasure to honour four such distinguished people," says University of Adelaide Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Warren Bebbington.

"As a leading university in tertiary music education, we are delighted to be able to recognise Paul Kelly in this way for his contribution through composition, performance and creative writing.

"Professor Neil Weste, Dr Roy Scragg and Professor Dabing Zhang have also made outstanding contributions and the University is proud to honour these exceptional individuals."

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