Among those to be honoured are internationally acclaimed writer Anne Devlin, pioneering nutrition scientist Professor Margaret Rayman and Emmy Award winning producer Dennis J. Brownlee, each recognised for their significant impact in their fields. 

Anne Devlin will be awarded a Doctor of Literature for distinction in the arts and literature. Anne Devlin is one of Northern Ireland’s most distinctive literary voices, known for her bold contributions to stage, screen and prose. Her acclaimed plays Ourselves Alone and After Easter earned Olivier Award nominations and international praise, while her screenwriting and short stories, including her recent collection The Apparitions, continue to resonate with readers and audiences alike. 

Her work is shaped by early involvement in the Northern Ireland Civil Rights movement and remains a vital part of contemporary Irish literature. 

Speaking of her honorary doctorate, Anne said:  

“Receiving this honorary degree from Queen’s is a wonderful recognition, not only of my work, but of the role the arts play in helping us understand who we are and where we come from and it is particularly special to be honoured by a university in my home city.” 

Professor Margaret Rayman will be awarded a Doctor of Science for distinction in science. Born in Armagh, Professor Margaret Rayman (née O’Riordan), is one of the world’s foremost experts on the link between nutrition and health, with a particular focus on trace elements such as selenium and iodine. A Queen’s chemistry graduate, she earned her doctorate at Oxford and returned to academia aged 50, becoming a pioneering voice in nutritional science. 

As Professor of Nutritional Medicine at the University of Surrey, she has published over 200 scientific papers and founded the world’s first part-time MSc in Nutritional Medicine, celebrating its 25th year. She continues to shape global health discourse and inspire new generations of scientists.  

Commenting on receiving her doctorate, Professor Rayman said:  

“It is a tremendous honour to be recognised by Queen’s - my alma mater and the place that helped inspire my love of science.  

“I hope my story encourages others to believe it’s never too late to make a meaningful contribution.” 

Also being honoured this summer are: Dennis J. Brownlee, for his leadership in strengthening African American-Irish diaspora connections; Orla Corr Nixon OBE, for her advocacy of business growth and gender equality, and longstanding service to Queen’s; Sir John Gillen, for his lasting impact on justice reform and public service; Hugo MacNeill OBE, for his work in reconciliation and community engagement through sport and civic leadership; Professor Andrew Morris CBE, for his groundbreaking leadership in health data science; and Gail Walker, for her groundbreaking career in journalism and media in Northern Ireland. 

Dennis J. Brownlee, founder and president of the African American Irish Diaspora Network (AAIDN), who won an Emmy for his work as executive producer of the documentary ‘On Hallowed Ground: Streetball Champions of Rucker Park’, will be awarded a Doctor of the University for service to the international community.

On news of his honorary degree, he said:

"I am both honoured and delighted to be receiving this recognition and honour from an institution as revered as Queen’s for my work with the African American Irish Diaspora Network. As an international institution with a globally reaching impact, I am proud to be associated with this university.”  

Announcing this summer’s cohort of honorary graduates, Professor Sir Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s, said:

“Our honorary graduates this year represent a breadth of achievement right across each field reflecting the spirit and values of Queen’s.  

“Each has made a lasting contribution in their field - locally, nationally or globally - and we are proud to honour their work and leadership and welcome them to be part of Queen’s community.” 

Honorary degrees will be formally conferred during the University’s summer graduation ceremonies in July. 

• Dennis J. Brownlee – Doctor of the University for service to the international community 

• Orla Corr Nixon OBE – Doctor of Laws for services to the university and business and commerce 

• Anne Devlin – Doctor of Literature for distinction in the arts and literature 

• Sir John Gillen – Doctor of Laws for distinction in public service 

• Hugo MacNeill OBE – Doctor of the University for services to the community 

• Professor Andrew Morris CBE – Doctor of Medical Science for distinction in medical science 

• Professor Margaret Rayman – Doctor of Science for distinction in science 

• Gail Walker – Doctor of the University for services to journalism 

Media

For media enquiries contact suzanne.lagan@qub.ac.uk