Three leading figures from the world of science, arts and business received Honorary Degrees at Egham's University of London at Royal Holloway during July's graduation ceremonies.

Professor Martin Wirsing, Professor Dame Sandra Dawson and Akira Matsui were awarded their degrees at a celebration dinner on Wednesday, July 13.

Honorary Degrees are conferred in recognition of the outstanding contributions made by individuals to their field, or those who have given exceptional service to the university.

Martin Wirsing is one of the pioneers of computer science as we know it today. He has authored or edited more than 20 books and has published around 250 scientific papers while working at the Ludwig-Maximilian-Universitat in Munich.

Dame Sandra Dawson is a leading scholar in the areas of leadership, health management and health policy. She played a pivotal role in the development of Cambridge University’s Business School and in the establishment of Royal Holloway’s own School of Management which has just celebrated its 25th anniversary.

Akira Matsui (who performs as the Hawk with Theatre Nohgaku) is a master actor-teacher of the Kita School of Japanese classical Noh theatre. He began to study Noh at the age of seven and showed such a talent that aged 12, he became a ‘live-in apprentice’ to Kita Minoru, the 15th generation of Noh masters of the Kita School. He mastered Noh dance and chant and has been performing and teaching throughout Japan ever since.

In 1998, Akira Matsui was designated an Important Intangible Cultural Asset by the Japanese government.

The achievements of around 2,000 students were celebrated across 13 ceremonies at Royal Holloway during a series of graduation events, special occasions that are a major highlight in the college year.

Fanfare trumpeters of the London Retaggio Brass announced the start of the ceremonies, which took place in Founder’s Building’s historic chapel with musical interludes performed by choral scholars directed by Rupert Gough. Champagne receptions were held in the South Quad immediately after each ceremony.