Honorary awards
Deakin honorary degrees are conferred on individuals for distinguished contributions to the community. They honour achievements that are aligned to the University’s aims, and provide inspiration to members of the university community.
Honorary degrees
The Deakin Honorary Doctorate honours individuals’ sustained and significant contributions as summarised in the citation for the award.
The Honorary Master of Innovation recognises individuals’ initiatives in creating jobs for the future or advancing social justice.
Honorary degrees are conferred by the University Council on the recommendation of the Vice-Chancellor following consideration by the Honorary Degrees Committee.
A fact sheet on Deakin’s honorary degrees program (PDF, 113.7KB) and the Honorary Degrees Procedure are available.
Deakin Honorary Doctorate
2017
Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin AC
Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin AC was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for significant and sustained contribution to the Australian community through leadership positions in the Australian Defence Force.
Dr Elizabeth Broderick AO
Dr Elizabeth Broderick AO was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for her outstanding contribution to gender equality, the prevention of discrimination and violence, and to driving progressive social change.
His Excellency Charles Lepani CBE
His Excellency Charles Lepani CBE was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for distinguished services to Papua New Guinea and its people for more than four decades, and for enhancing Australia's understanding of our closest neighbour as High Commissioner for PNG to Australia in the past decade.
Dr Viswanathan Mohan
Dr Viswanathan Mohan was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for his outstanding service to people with diabetes in India and other developing countries and his exceptional scholarship in the global field of diabetes research.
Professor Budaraju Srinivasa Murty
Professor Budaraju Srinivasa Murty was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for his significant contribution as a researcher in the field of advanced materials with particular emphasis on high entropy alloys.
Hon Judith Troeth AM
The Hon Judith Troeth AM was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for eminent public leadership as a Senator in the Australian parliament for eighteen years and as influential advocate for education, human rights and for increasing the number of women in parliament and in senior political positions.
Hon Ranil Wickremesinghe
The Hon Ranil Wickremesinghe was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for eminent leadership as a Member of Parliament, Minister and Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, and especially for leading economic, educational and human rights reforms since 2015 as Prime Minister and head of the United Front for Good Governance.
2016
Professor Michel Armand
Professor Michel Armand was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for significant contributions to research in the field of energy storage technologies, with particular emphasis on lithium battery development and research in ionic liquids.
Dr Jenni Lightowlers
Dr Jenni Lightowlers was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for outstanding service to Deakin University as Deputy Chancellor from 2008 to 2015, as a member of University Council from 2004 to 2015 and for significant and sustained contribution to research in Australia as an expert advisor on innovation and commercialisation.
Dr David Morgan AO
Dr David Morgan AO was awarded the first of the University’s new-style honorary doctorates, the Deakin Honorary Doctorate, for outstanding service to Deakin University as Chancellor from 2006 to 2015 and as a member of the University Council from 2000 to 2015, and for championing the Geelong region and its transition to new manufacturing and knowledge industries.
Lieutenant General David Morrison
Lieutenant General David Morrison AO (Retd) was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for outstanding leadership in the Australian Army and broader community, especially in combating discrimination and sexism.
Emeritus Professor Gillian Triggs
Emeritus Professor Gillian Triggs was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for her eminent contribution to education, advocacy and public service in the field of human rights and international law.
Professor Yongxian Zhang
Professor Yongxian Zhang was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for his outstanding contribution to the understanding of Australia in China and to improving Australia-China relations.
Honorary Doctorate
2016
Dr Bill Forrest AM
Dr Bill Forrest AM was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters for distinguished service to the arts, and especially education for arts management professionals.
Hon Julia Gillard AC
The Hon Julia Gillard AC was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws for distinguished public service, especially promoting education opportunities in Australia to groups under-represented in higher education.
Professor Bevis Hutchinson
Professor Bevis Hutchinson was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science for distinguished service in the scientific and technological community, especially in relation to the textures of materials.
Dr Dalal Smiley
Dr Dalal Smiley was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws for distinguished service to the Australian community, especially to social inclusion and cultural diversity.
Dr David Thodey AO
Dr David Thodey AO was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science for distinguished service in the science and technological community.
2015
Dr Megan Clark AC
Dr Megan Clark AC was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science for distinguished service in the scientific and technological community.
Professor Brad Dunstan
Professor Brad Dunstan was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science for distinguished service in the scientific and technological community, especially building collaborations between research and industry.
Professor William Hutchinson
Professor William Hutchinson was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science for distinguished service in the scientific and technological community, especially in relation to the textures of materials.
Dr Leon Kempler OAM
Dr Leon Kempler OAM was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science for eminent public service, especially distinguished service in the scientific and technological community.
Dr Sue Nattrass AO
Dr Sue Nattrass AO was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters for distinguished services to the arts.
Dr Tim Soutphommasane
Dr Tim Soutphommasane was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters for his distinguished contribution to learning in the fields of multiculturalism and citizenship.
Emeritus Professor David Stokes AM
Emeritus Professor David Stokes AM was awarded an honorary Doctor of the University for distinguished service to the University and especially developing the University’s research culture and strengths.
Dr Helen Szoke
Dr Helen Szoke was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws for distinguished public service in the fields of anti-discrimination, equal opportunity and humanitarian leadership.
Dr Kurt Zuelke
Dr Kurt Zuelke was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science for distinguished service in the scientific and technological community, especially in building collaboration between research groups in universities, government and industry.
2014
Mr Peter Alsop
Mr Peter Alsop was awarded a Master of Science for distinguished services to Geelong and the region as an historian of architecture, engineering and the environment and as a civil engineer.
Dr Mukesh Dhirubhai Ambani
Dr Mukesh Dhirubhai Ambani was awarded a Doctor of Science in recognition of his distinguished services to global science and industry.
Dame Quentin Bryce AD
Dame Quentin Bryce AD was awarded a Doctor of Laws for distinguished public service and commitment to equity and access for women, Indigenous Australians and for all those who are disadvantaged.
Emeritus Professor Max Charlesworth AO
Emeritus Professor Max Charlesworth AO was awarded a Doctor of Letters for distinguished academic services in the fields of education, humanities and bioethics.
Hon Simon Crean
The Hon Simon Crean was awarded a Doctor of Laws for eminent public service.
Dr Baba Kalyani
Dr Baba Kalyani was awarded a Doctor of Science in recognition of his distinguished services to global science and industry.
Hon Jeffrey Kennett AC
The Hon Jeffrey Kennett AC was awarded a Doctor of Laws for distinguished services to business and the community.
Dame Carol Kidu DBE
Dame Carol Kidu DBE was awarded a Doctor of Laws for distinguished public service to the community in Papua New Guinea, especially in the areas of child welfare and equality for minorities.
2013
Dr Adrian Kloeden
Dr Adrian Kloeden was awarded a Doctor of the University in recognition of his distinguished contribution to Deakin University Council by serving two terms as Deputy Chancellor in 2004 and 2007 and serving on numerous University committees as Chairperson or member.
Dr Ray Reynoldson
Dr Ray Reynoldson was awarded a Doctor of Science in recognition of his significant contribution to Deakin's research profile in the field of surface treatments.
Professor David Parkin OAM
Professor David Parkin OAM was awarded a Doctor of Letters in recognition of his contribution to Deakin University in the fields of coach and athlete education and his special contribution in the Australian Football League (AFL) and the wider coaching community.
Hon Michael Kirby AC, CMG
The Hon Michael Kirby AC, CMG was awarded a Doctor of Laws in recognition of his outstanding contribution to justice, law and law reform in Australia.
2011
Dr Pauline Turner
Dr Pauline Turner was awarded a Doctor of the University in recognition of her distinguished service to the University as a Member of Council for 14 and-a-half years, from 1995 to 2010.
Professor John Duncan
Professor John Duncan was awarded a Doctor of Science in recognition of his significant contributions as a researcher, educator and consultant in the field of mechanical engineering with particular emphasis on sheet metal forming.
2010
Hon Steve Bracks AC
The Hon Steve Bracks AC was awarded a Doctor of Laws in recognition of his distinguished service to the Victorian community.
Professor Yusuf Qismullah
Professor Yusuf Qismullah was awarded a Doctor of Letters in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Deakin University, arts and education and humanitarian aid.
Emeritus Professor Sally Walker AM
Emeritus Professor Sally Walker AM was awarded a Doctor of Laws in recognition of her outstanding contribution to Deakin University, legal education and scholarship and higher education in general.
Dr John Henry
Dr John Henry was awarded a Doctor of Letters in recognition of his contribution to Deakin University, vocational education and training and his special contribution in the area of Indigenous education.
Emeritus Professor Adrian Lee
Emeritus Professor Adrian Lee was awarded a Doctor of Science in recognition of his outstanding contribution to enhancing teaching and learning in Australian universities.
2008
Professor Judith Ramaley
Professor Judith Ramaley was awarded a Doctor of Laws in recognition of her distinguished contribution to the community as a leader in the higher education sector and as a researcher in the areas of neurophysiology and immunochemistry; and in recognition of her contribution to science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.
2006
Emeritus Professor Phillip Hamilton AM
Emeritus Professor Phillip (Pip) Alexander Hamilton AM was awarded a Doctor of Science in recognition of his outstanding achievements in the scientific discipline of radio-astronomy, his contribution to the Australian higher education sector, and his services to research at Deakin University.
2005
Dr Richard Searby AO QC
Dr Richard Henry Searby AO QC was awarded a Doctor of Laws in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Deakin University as Chancellor from 1997 to his retirement from that role at the end of 2005, and his contribution to the fields of education, the law, the arts and to business.
Dr Kenn Fisher
Dr Kenn Fisher was awarded a Doctor of Science in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the fields of campus masterplanning and educational facility strategic planning, both within Australia and internationally.
2004
Dr Alfred Bamblett
Dr Alfred John Bamblett was awarded a Doctor of Laws in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Aboriginal affairs, to the Koorie community and to the Institute of Koorie Education at Deakin University.
Hon Allan McDonald QC
The Hon Allan William McDonald QC was awarded a Doctor of Laws for services to the law, to Deakin University and to the community.
Dr John Landy AC
Dr John Landy AC was awarded a Doctor of Laws for distinguished service to sport, the environment and the community.
2003
Dr Steve Vizard
Dr Steve Vizard was awarded a Doctor of Laws for distinguished service to the community and the arts.
Dr Neil Everist OAM
Dr Neil Everist OAM was awarded a Doctor of Letters for distinguished service to the arts and to the community.
Dr James Cousins AO
Dr James Cousins AO was awarded a Doctor of Letters for distinguished service to the arts and to the community.
Dr Frank Costa AO
Dr Frank Costa AO was awarded a Doctor of Laws for distinguished service to the community.
Dr Jim Rossiter AM
Dr Jim Rossiter AM was awarded a Doctor of the University for distinguished service to Deakin University as a member of the Council from August 1978 until the end of 1988 and for his contribution to the University in the field of research ethics.
Dr Denise King
Dr Denise King was awarded a Doctor of the University for distinguished service to Deakin University as a member of the Council of the former Victoria College from 1973 until 1991 and as a member of the Council of Deakin University from 1996 until the end of 2002.
Dr Patricia Heath AM
Dr Patricia Heath AM was awarded a Doctor of Laws for distinguished service to the University and to the community, most particularly to the health sector.
2002
Dr Geoffrey Dreher
Dr Geoffrey Hamilton Dreher awarded a Doctor of the University for distinguished service to the University as a member of the Council of the former Victoria College from 1987 until 1992 and as a member of the Council of Deakin University from 1992 until 2000.
Dr Harold Mitchell AC
Dr Harold Charles Mitchell AC was awarded a Doctor of the Laws for services to business, the community and the arts.
Dr John Tait
Dr John James Tait was awarded a Doctor of the University for distinguished service to the University as a member of the Council of the former Warrnambool Institute of Advanced Education from 1983 until 1990 and as a member of the Council of Deakin University from 1990 until 2001.
2001
Dr Hugh Moore
Dr Hugh Moore was awarded a Doctor of the University for outstanding contribution to post-professional education at Deakin University.
2000
Dr Joseph Pillay
Dr Joseph Y Pillay was awarded a Doctor of Laws for eminent public service in the development of the modern State of Singapore.
Dr Graham Rouch
Dr Graham Rouch was awarded a Doctor of Science for distinguished service to public health.
1999
Dr Walter Backhouse OAM
Dr Walter John Backhouse OAM was awarded a Doctor of the University for distinguished service to the University as a member of the University Council from 1980 to 1998.
Dr Margaret Cameron AM
Dr Margaret Alison Cameron AM was awarded a Doctor of the University for distinguished service to the University as University Librarian from 1977 to 1996.
Dr George Dyer
Dr George Sydney Dyer was awarded a Doctor of the University for distinguished service to the University as a member of the University Council from 1992 to 1998 and as a member of the Council of the former Victoria College from 1983 to 1992.
Dr Donald Neilson AM
Dr Donald Geoffrey Neilson AM was awarded a Doctor of the University for distinguished service to the University as a member of the University Council from 1977 to 1981 and from 1983 to 1998.
Dr Thomas Schneider
Dr Thomas Schneider was awarded a Doctor of Laws for leadership in the restructuring of industrial relations in the US.
Dr James Martin
Dr James Martin was awarded a Doctor of Laws for leadership in the development of information technology.
1997
Dr Peter Kwong-Ching Woo
Dr Peter Kwong-Ching Woo was awarded a Doctor of Laws for distinguished service to the people of Hong Kong as a business and community leader.
Dr Stephen Yeap Leong Huat
Dr Stephen Yeap Leong Huat was awarded a Doctor of Laws for distinguished service to education as a leader in Malaysian commerce and philanthropy.
Dr Sharom Ahmat
Dr Sharom Ahmat was awarded a Doctor of Laws for distinguished academic and administrative leadership in the development of Malaysian education.
1996
Dr James Leslie AC
Dr James Bolton Leslie AC was awarded a Doctor of Laws for distinguished public service and, in particular, for service to Deakin University as Chancellor from 1987 to 1996.
1995
Hon Sir Anthony Mason AC KBE
The Hon Sir Anthony Mason AC KBE was awarded a Doctor of Laws for distinguished service to the Australian judiciary.
Professor John Hay AC
Professor John Anthony Hay AC was awarded a Doctor of Letters for distinguished service to Deakin University.
1994
Professor Kenneth McKinnon AO
Professor Kenneth Richard McKinnon AO was awarded a Doctor of Letters for outstanding contribution to Australian education.
Dr Victor Smorgon AC
Dr Victor Smorgon AC was awarded a Doctor of Letters for distinguished service to health and the arts.
Dr Kenneth Kaunda
Dr Kenneth David Kaunda was awarded a Doctor of Laws for outstanding contribution to the ending of apartheid, the development of democratic governments and the attainment of human rights in the African region.
Dr Robert Brack
Dr Robert William Brack was awarded the Doctor of Laws for service to the University and the Australian business sector.
Dr Gilbert Vines
Dr Gilbert John Geoffrey Vines was awarded a Doctor of the University for service to the University.
1992
Dr Raymond Chambers AO
Dr Raymond John Chambers AO was awarded a Doctor of Laws for services to commerce, education and the accounting profession.
1991
Tun Dr Haji Hamdan
Tun Dr Haji Hamdan was awarded a Doctor of Letters for services to education.
Dr Jean McCaughey AO
Dr Jean Middlemas McCaughey AO was awarded a Doctor of Letters for services to social welfare.
Dr Peter O'Halloran
Dr Peter O'Halloran was awarded a Doctor of Science for fostering interest and encouraging excellence in secondary school mathematics.
Ms Marjory Taylor
Ms Marjory Alice Hamlet Taylor was awarded a Master of Arts for services to Nursing education.
1990
Dr Geoffrey Caston CBE
Dr Geoffrey Caston CBE was awarded a Doctor of Letters for distinguished service to post-secondary education as Vice-Chancellor of the University of the South Pacific.
Dr Inge King AM
Dr Inge King AM was awarded a Doctor of Letters for significant contribution to the Australian built environment and the emergence of Australian culture.
Dr Ewan Laird
Dr Ewan Campbell Laird was awarded a Doctor of Letters for services to the profession of architecture and to the community as a founder of Apex.
Dr Isi Leibler AO
Dr Isi Leibler AO was awarded a Doctor of Letters for achievements in the promotion of human rights, with special reference to Soviet Jews, and in the promotion of multiculturalism and commercial enterprise in Australia.
Dr David Roach
Mr David Arthur Roach was awarded a Doctor of Letters for notable contributions to the development of post-secondary education in Victoria.
1989
Sir James Darling CMG
Sir James Ralph Darling CMG was awarded a Doctor of Letters for services to education.
Dr Renee Erdos
Dr Renee Erdos was awarded a Doctor of Letters for services to distance education.
Rt. Hon. Malcolm Fraser AC
The Rt. Hon. John Malcolm Fraser AC was awarded a Doctor of Letters for services to Western Victoria, Australia and the Commonwealth of Nations.
Dr Charles Jarvis
Dr Charles Edward Jarvis was awarded a Master of Science for services to the University.
Dr Patrick Lang
Dr Patrick Sellar Lang was awarded a Doctor of Science for services to agricultural science and higher education.
Sir Arvi Parbo AC
Sir Arvi Parbo AC was awarded a Doctor of Science for services to Australian industry and commerce.
1988
Sir Ian McLennan KCMG
Sir Ian Munro McLennan KCMG was awarded a Doctor of Science for services to industry and commerce, and to technology and technological policy and education.
Dr William Renwick
Dr William Leslie Renwick was awarded a Doctor of Letters for services to Australasian public education and advancement, nationally and internationally, of teaching and learning.
1986
Professor Fred Jevons AO
Professor Fred Jevons AO was awarded a Doctor of Letters for distinguished service to the University as foundation Vice-Chancellor.
Dr Robyn Williams
Dr Robyn Williams was awarded a Doctor of Science for contributing to the enhancement of scientific knowledge and understanding in the Australian community.
1985
Dr Diana Dyason
Dr Diana Dyason was awarded a Doctor of Letters for distinguished service to history and philosophy of science.
Emeritus Professor Otto Peters
Emeritus Professor Otto Peters was awarded a Doctor of Letters for service to distance education.
Dr Borje Holmberg
Dr Borje Holmberg was awarded a Doctor of Letters for service to distance education.
Dr John Daniel
Dr John Daniel was awarded a Doctor of Letters for service to distance education.
1984
Dr Menzie Lipson AO
Dr Menzie Lipson AO was awarded a Doctor of Science for distinguished service to sciences, especially textile research, and to Deakin University.
Dr John Bechervaise OAM
Dr John Mayston Bechervaise OAM was awarded a Doctor of Letters for distinguished service to exploration and literature.
1983
Professor Charles Moorhouse AM
Professor Charles Edmund Moorhouse AM was awarded a Doctor of Letters for service to education.
Dr Peter Thwaites
Dr Peter Nelson Thwaites was awarded a Doctor of Letters for distinguished service to education and to Deakin University.
1982
Sir Wilfred Brookes CBE
Sir Wilfred Deakin Brookes CBE was awarded a Doctor of Letters for service to industry and commerce.
Mr Trevor Pescott
Mr Trevor Pescott was awarded a Master of Science for distinguished service to natural history.
1981
Lord Walter Perry OBE
Lord Walter Laing Macdonald Perry OBE was awarded a Doctor of Letters for service to distance education.
Dr Philip Brown
Dr Philip Lawrence Brown was awarded a Doctor of Letters for service to local history.
The Hon Austin (Keith) Asche AC
The Hon Austin (Keith) Asche AC was awarded a Doctor of Letters for distinguished public service and service to the University as Chancellor.
Dr Arthur Collins
Dr Arthur Charles Collins was awarded a Doctor of Science for distinguished service to education in Architecture.
Dr Ian Downs
Dr Ian Fairley Graham Downs was awarded a Doctor of Letters for distinguished service to Australia and Papua New Guinea, to Pacific history and to the research and publications of the staff and students of the University's School of Social Sciences.
Mr Kenneth Stewart
Mr Kenneth Duff Stewart was awarded a Master of Arts for distinguished service to the University as Vice-Principal from 1976 to 1986
Ms Mary White
Ms Mary Dunbar White was awarded a Master of Science for distinguished service to the natural history of Anglesea and District.