University news

Eric Smith and daughter Catrine Priestley with Chancellor Sanjeev Bhaskar and Vice-Chancellor Sasha Roseneil

At this week’s winter graduation ceremonies (21 and 22 January) the University of Sussex celebrated the achievements of four outstanding individuals.  

Among the honorary degree recipients, joining over four thousand graduates and guests at the Brighton Centre, was Eric Smith, co-founder of the charity Sussex Underwater, who was conferred a Doctor of Science for his pioneering work restoring marine ecosystems along the Sussex coast.  

77-year-old Eric, who was born in Brighton, has been diving in Sussex waters since he was 11. His years of campaigning work led to a ban on trawling along the Sussex coast, creating the largest marine rewilding project in the UK. His efforts also inspired the documentary Help Our Kelp, narrated by Sir David Attenborough, highlighting the importance of protecting and restoring marine habitats. 

Eric said: “I never expected to be honoured in this way, but it’s wonderful to have a chance to meet young people starting out in their lives. My generation’s mucked things up for the environment but it’s never too late to make a difference, and you just need to give nature a chance and it will come back.” 

Joining Eric, three other distinguished figures also received recognition for their inspirational and impactful work, which reflects the University’s mission to solve complex global challenges and drive progressive change.    

• Peter Bennett was awarded the University of Sussex Gold Medal for Philanthropy for his visionary and transformative support of impactful academic research at Sussex and beyond. He created the Peter Bennett Foundation, a charitable trust that seeks to improve the quality of life for communities around the world. Through this foundation, Peter has funded the establishment of the Bennett Institute for Innovation and Policy Acceleration at the University of Sussex. This is focused on ground-breaking research on climate change and turning research into policy interventions to tackle the global environmental crisis.   

• University of Sussex alumna Dato’ Rohana Tan Sri Mahmood, one of Malaysia’s most influential business leaders, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Laws for her contribution to ethically reforming global trade and leadership. As founder of investment firm RM Capital Partners, Rohana has advised governments, championing regional and global economic collaboration and development, from Kuala Lumpur to New York. 

• Gus Christie, Executive Chairman of Glyndebourne, the world‑renowned opera house, was conferred a Doctor of Music for his leadership in the arts and widening access to cultural experiences. He says one of his proudest achievements was installing a 220 ft high wind turbine, which now supplies 100% of Glyndebourne’selectricity needs. He ensures that half of all tickets are affordably priced, works with local care homes and dementia groups, and runs the Glyndebourne Academy, a talent-seeking initiative that enables young people from all over the UK to audition for free.  

Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Sussex Professor Sasha Roseneil said "We are delighted to celebrate Eric Smith, a local environmental hero whose work restoring marine ecosystems along the Sussex coast has created the largest marine rewilding project in the UK. Alongside Eric, we are honouring Peter Bennett, Dato’ Rohana Tan Sri Mahmood, and Gus Christie for their outstanding contributions to philanthropy, environmental sustainability, business and economic development and the arts. Each of them exemplifies the power of individuals to drive positive change and reflects the University of Sussex’s mission to tackle complex global challenges and to make the world a progressively better place for all. 

"Graduation is always a very special occasion, and we are delighted to recognise the achievements of all our students this week. We could not be prouder of the class of 2025 and wish them every success as they build on what they have learned at Sussex and go on to make their own lasting impact in the world."  

The University saw a total of 1,800 students graduate across six ceremonies, with more than 4,000 guests attending. 

Back to news list