Queen Mary marks 240th year at Founders’ Day event

The Founders’ Day event was a chance to recognise and celebrate the research and education excellence of Queen Mary today, and to remember the history and heritage that has cultivated this success over the last two centuries and beyond.

Queen Mary’s proud, distinctive history is built on four historic institutions, the oldest of which was founded in 1785. Each of these four institutions – The London Hospital Medical College, Queen Mary College, Westfield College and St Bartholomew’s Medical College – were founded to provide hope and opportunity to, and improve the lives of, those less privileged, particularly in East London. Today, this ethos and commitment remains at the heart of Queen Mary University of London, the identity these institutions united under exactly 30 years ago.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of honorary degrees to four Queen Mary alumni for their outstanding contributions to their respective fields. They are:

• Navjot Sawhney (MEng Aerospace Engineering), Founder of The Washing Machine Project: Honorary Doctor of Sciences degree for his commitment to engineering solutions for social good, his dedication to empowering women and girls in marginalised communities and his drive to create tangible solutions to improve lives.
• Dr Nighat Arif (MBBS), Medical Broadcaster, GP specialising in women’s health, and author: Honorary Doctor of Sciences degree for her work and dedication to improving healthcare access, educating diverse communities, and advocating for gender and racial equality in medicine.
• Simon Borrows (LLB Law), Chief Executive of 3i Group plc: Honorary Fellowship degree for his achievements and contributions to society, including his work as a philanthropist, supporting in excess of 250 charities nationally and internationally, his work supporting the arts and higher education.
• Jamie Crummie (LLM Law), Co-founder of Too Good To Go & Forbes 30 Under 30: Honorary Doctor of Laws degree for his innovative leadership, dedication to sustainability and commitment to social justice.

Some of the University’s excellent research was highlighted at the event through a series of interactive stalls, where attendees could meet with leading academics to learn about their cutting-edge research and the impact of their work in the UK and across the globe. Guests also had the opportunity to see some of the new technology Queen Mary academics are developing, including a grape-picking robot, and to learn about the University’s history from the archives team.

Speaking on the event, Professor Colin Bailey CBE, President and Principal of Queen Mary said: “Throughout our history, Queen Mary has fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence. We continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it’s simply ‘the right thing to do’ but for what it helps us achieve and the intellectual brilliance it delivers.  

“Beyond this, our heritage informs our conviction that great ideas can and should come from anywhere and should be aimed at helping those who need it most. This ethos is exemplified by Navjot, Nighat, Simon and Jamie, four Queen Mary alumni who have gone on to use the education, experiences and skills they learned at our University to help others, locally and around the world, in many different ways. I am incredibly proud that we were able to honour and recognise their work, philanthropic activities and contributions to society with honorary degrees at this year’s Founders’ Day event.”

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