THE six recipients of honorary degrees from the University of Bradford this summer have been revealed.

The list includes a former land speed record holder, a visiting professor, and a doctor who has revolutionised eye health and care in India.

They will receive their degrees at graduation ceremonies to be held later this month at the university’s Great Hall, presented by chancellor Kate Swann and vice-chancellor Professor Brian Cantor.

The first degrees will be presented to Nadira Mirza and Graham Pearson on Tuesday, July 17. Ms Mirza, a former university Dean and director, has dedicated her career to improving the life chances of disadvantaged young people.

Mr Pearson was an Honorary Visiting Professor of International Security between 1996 and 2017, and was previously the director general of Porton Down, the UK’s chemical and biological defence establishment. The former Woodhouse Grove student is also a renowned author on weapons of mass destruction.

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On Wednesday 18, Professor Sir Mark Welland and Richard Noble OBE will be honoured.

Sir Mark is head of the Nanoscience Centre at the University of Cambridge, and has had a long and distinguished career including as chief scientific adviser for the MoD.

Scottish entrepreneur Richard Noble held the land speed record between 1983 and 1997, and was project director of ThrustSSC, the current record holder and first land vehicle to break the sound barrier.

On Thursday 19 degrees will be handed to Dr Gullapalli Rao and Dr Ruth McKernan.

Dr Rao created sustainable and high-quality eye care transforming vision health across India, and has published more than 300 academic papers.

Dr McKernan is the chief executive of Innovate UK, and has more than a quarter of a century of experience in the pharmaceutical industry.

She has championed diversity within innovation, and in 2013 was awarded a CBE for services to business, innovation and skills.