University of Adelaide awards honorary degrees

Monday, 10 September 2018

The University of Adelaide will recognise the contributions to society of three eminent Australians at this week’s graduation ceremonies, starting tomorrow.

The Honourable Alexander Downer, AC, former Foreign Affairs Minister, reproductive health research leader Professor Jock Findlay, AO, and internationally regarded legal expert in tort law and personal injury Professor Jane Stapleton will be awarded honorary doctorates. They will join 1300 graduates being awarded their degrees in Bonython Hall in six ceremonies from Tuesday 11 September to Thursday 13 September.

“University education is about helping young people realise their potential. Graduations are a celebration of their achievements to date, and the start of their new lives as contributors to society and to our future,” says University of Adelaide Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Peter Rathjen. “We also take the opportunity at graduation ceremonies to recognise the exceptional service to Australia and the wider world made by these eminent Australians.”

The Honourable Alexander Downer, AC, is being awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of the University (honoris causa) in acknowledgement of his exceptionally distinguished service to Australian society and to the University.

Mr Downer is former Australian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (from 2014–2018) and the longest serving Foreign Affairs Minister in Australia's history (from 1996–2007, during the Howard Liberal Government). He also served as Leader of the Liberal Party from 1994–1995.

Mr Downer is also a former Special Adviser to the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General on Cyprus (2008–2014), and a former Visiting Professor of Politics and International Trade with the University of Adelaide.

Professor Jock Findlay, AO, a graduate of University of Adelaide, is being awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of the University (honoris causa) in acknowledgement of his exceptionally distinguished service to society in scientific achievement, leadership and training in the field of reproductive biology, in professional leadership in science and medicine, and to the University.

Professor Findlay is internationally renowned for his research in reproductive biology and has made novel contributions to understanding the regulation of the ovary and uterus, which have proven important to the field of animal and human fertility. Since 2014, he has been Chair of the Advisory Board of the University’s Robinson Research Institute.

Professor Jane Stapleton, a PhD graduate of the University of Adelaide, is being awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws (honoris causa) in acknowledgement of her distinguished service to the law and the legal profession in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Currently Master at Christ’s College, University of Cambridge, she is internationally regarded for her expertise in the fields of tort and personal injury law. She has excelled in academic, legal and leadership roles, contributing significantly to the development of law and law scholarship.

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