Honorary Doctorates
Curtin University’s Honorary Awards are prestigious honours intended to recognise individuals’ substantial achievements and contributions.
The criteria for the Honorary Doctor award are:
Each of the eight Honorary Doctorates has a different focus, but all are of equal status
-
- exceptional service to the University, usually over a sustained period of time; and
- exceptional record of service to professional and/or public life.
-
- distinguished contribution to an academic discipline or field of endeavor, relating to the creative arts; and
- exceptional record of service to professional and/or public life.
-
- distinguished contribution to an academic discipline or field of endeavor, relating to the commerce and business; and
- exceptional record of service to professional and/or public life.
-
- distinguished contribution to an academic discipline or field of endeavor, relating to engineering; and
- exceptional record of service to professional and/or public life.
-
- distinguished contribution to an academic discipline or field of endeavor, relating to law; and
- exceptional record of service to professional and/or public life.
-
- distinguished contribution to an academic discipline or field of endeavor relating to humanities and social sciences; and
- exceptional record of service to professional and/or public life.
-
- distinguished contribution to an academic discipline or field of endeavor relating to medicine; and
- exceptional record of service to professional and/or public life.
-
- distinguished contribution to an academic discipline or field of endeavor, relating to the physical sciences or health sciences; and
- exceptional record of service to professional and/or public life.
Honorary awards recipients
Curtin University’s Honorary Awards are prestigious honours intended to recognise individuals’ substantial achievements and contributions.
There are eight (8) Honorary Doctorates, each with a different focus but all of equal status:
An Honorary Doctor of Letters has been awarded to:
Ms Lee Musumeci
For exceptional service and making a difference to young people form disadvantaged communities by improving educational and lift outcomes through innovative leadership and practice in primary education and health.
An Honorary Doctor of Commerce has been awarded to:
Mr John Barrington
In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the commercial and arts sectors of Western Australia through exceptional leadership and service.
Mr Charlie Bass
In recognition of his outstanding support of innovation and entrepreneurship as key drivers of the Western Australian economy.
Mr Ben Wyatt
For distinguished public service to the economy of Western Australia through exceptional financial management, and to Aboriginal people through land reform and equity initiatives.
.png)
Mr Ben Wyatt providing an occasional address.
An Honorary Doctor of Letters has been awarded to:
Ms Libby Lyons
For distinguished service to the social sciences through outstanding and influential advocacy for gender equality in the workplace, with impacts in Australia and internationally.
.jpg)
Ms Libby Lyons and Dr Andrew Crane, Chancellor.
An Honorary Doctor of Medicine has been awarded to:
Dr Janice Bell
In recognition of her outstanding contribution at state and national levels to the field of General Practice and medical workforce education and training and her service as inaugural Chair of the Curtin Medical School external advisory committee.
Professor Sandra Eades
In recognition of her outstanding contribution and distinguished service to medical research, indigenous health, and to professional organisations.
An Honorary Doctor of Science has been awarded to:
Colonel Pamela Melroy
For services and leadership in space exploration and innovation in Australia and globally.
Dr Tracy Ayre
Tracy Carol Ayre has made a sustained contribution to nursing and nurse education in Singapore through her focus on empowering nurses to provide high quality patient centred care.
Mr Steve Scudamore
For his long-standing and significant contribution to Curtin University and the Western Australian community.
Mr Neil Warburton
For distinguished service to Curtin University and to the mining and resources sector, through outstanding leadership, advocacy and philanthropic support of mining education through scholarships funding.
Ms Sue Wilson
In recognition of exceptional leadership and wise counsel to Curtin University and the community.
An Honorary Doctor of Engineering has been awarded to:
Mr Edgar Basto
In recognition of an outstanding contribution to the global mining and resources sector, as an innovative sector, as an innovative engineer, successful manager and highly respected leader.
Mr Peter Coleman
In recognition of an outstanding contribution to the resources sector in Western Australia and globally.
An Honorary Doctor of Engineering has been awarded to:
Mr Edgar Basto
In recognition of an outstanding contribution to the global mining and resources sector, as an innovative sector, as an innovative engineer, successful manager and highly respected leader.
Mr Peter Coleman
In recognition of an outstanding contribution to the resources sector in Western Australia and globally.
An Honorary Doctor of Medicine has been awarded to:
Dr Jonathan Carapetis
In recognition of an outstanding contribution to the local, national and international field of medicine and healthcare.
An Honorary Doctor of Science has been awarded to:
Ms Margaret Culbong
In recognition of five decades of service, leadership and commitment to the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal peoples, and her contribution to establishing Aboriginal controlled community health organisations.
An Honorary Doctor of Commerce has been awarded to:
Ms Elizabeth Gaines
For outstanding leadership in the Western Australian business community as a pioneering female CEO, and of ongoing commitment to Curtin University.
An Honorary Doctor of Science has been awarded to:
Professor Andrew Holmes
For seminal and pioneering contributions to the fields of conjugated polymeric materials and biological chemistry and for insprirational leadership communicating science and the development of Australian science policy.
Mr Kerry Stokes AC
In recognition of his significant and sustained commitment to child health research and to building a culture of philanthropy in Western Australia.
For distinguished services to Curtin University through outstanding leadership, advocacy and philanthropic support of mining education at WASM and education broadly across Curtin through scholarship opportunities.
An Honorary Doctor of Arts has been awarded to:
Ms Pippin Drysdale
In recognition of her outstanding contribution to the field of ceramic arts and developing the Western Australian arts community.
An Honorary Doctor of Commerce has been awarded to:
Mr Richard Goyder AO
In recognition of exceptional leadership in business and outstanding contributions to the Australian Community.
Ms Amanda Healy
In recognition of distinguished services to business and commerce as an outstanding businesswoman and social entrepreneur, with an exceptional contribution to empowering Aboriginal women through employment and leadership programs.
An Honorary Doctor of Engineering has been awarded to:
Mr William Bill Beament
In recognition of distinguished service to the mining sector and mining education in Western Australia through outstanding leadership, advocacy and influence.
Mr Thomas Shannon
In recognition for distinguished services to engineering through sustained innovation in the development of motion capture systems, with worldwide benefits in the health and life sciences, entertainment and engineering.
Mr Irving Tan Tiang Yew
In recognition of distinguished services to engineering, advancing the discipline through visionary technological innovation and transformation, and university-industry collaboration.
An Honorary Doctor of Laws has been awarded to:
Ms Helen Corbett
In recognition of outstanding contributions to the cause of justice for Indigenous peoples in Australia and throughout the world.
An Honorary Doctor of Letters has been awarded to:
Professor Anant Agarwal
In recognition of his leadership role in providing access to high-quality education on a global scale.
Professor Sir Ian Diamond
In recognition of outstanding service in social science and higher education and advanced international research collaboration in Western Australia.
Mr Terry Agnew
In recognition of outstanding service to Curtin University that has enhanced the Faculty of Business and Law’s global standing; and for ongoing leadership within the Western Australian business community.
Mr Colin Barnett
In recognition of important support provided, as Premier of Western Australia, for key Curtin University initiatives, and significantly improved services to the underprivileged and disadvantaged of our community.
Mr Colin Beckett
In recognition of significant and extended service to Curtin University; and a substantial record of contribution to the education, energy, science and infrastructure sectors in Australia.
Professor Eric Charoux
In recognition of furthering Curtin’s strategic aims as a global university through the successful establishment of the Charles Telfair Institute and its evolution into the Curtin Mauritius campus.
Mrs Odylle Charoux
In recognition of furthering Curtin’s strategic aims as a global university through the successful establishment of the Charles Telfair Institute and its evolution into the Curtin Mauritius campus.
An Honorary Doctor of Commerce has been awarded to:
Ms Tania Constable
In recognition for service to public policy and Australia’s energy resources sector, and for her commitment to the role of carbon capture and storage in reducing global carbon emissions.
An Honorary Doctor of Letters has been awarded to:
Mr Alan Dodge
In recognition of significant contribution to the arts in Western Australia, Australia and internationally, his mentorship, and his tireless advocacy and promotion of arts education and accessibility.
Ms Julia Gillard
In recognition of a distinguished career in political leadership and outstanding contributions in the fields of education, industrial relations, social inclusion, environmental protection and telecommunications.
An Honorary Doctor of Science has been awarded to:
Mr Brian Wall
In recognition of exemplary achievements in pharmacy and public health administration and education; and in recognition of major outcomes achieved in public health and health service improvement in Australia.
In recognition of service to building an entrepreneurial community at Curtin and globally; and inspiring, encouraging and backing early stage tech entrepreneurs.
An Honorary Doctor of Letters has been awarded to:
Ms Kate Mulvany
Ms Kate Mulvany is a prolific, award-winning playwright, screenwriter, librettist and actor whose concerns have extended to social activism and defending the role of arts in society.
An Honorary Doctor of Letters has been awarded to:
Former High Court Justice, the Honourable Michael Kirby
In recognition of an outstanding record of judicial service and his promotion of human rights in Australia and overseas. You can read Michael Kirby’s occasional address from the February 2017 Graduations here.
Emeritus Professor Graeme Turner
In recognition of his contribution to the fields of media studies and cultural studies internationally. You can read Emeritus Professor Turner’s occasional address from the February 2017 Graduations here.
An Honorary Doctor of Science has been awarded to:
Dr Vanessa Guthrie
In recognition of her contribution to Australia’s resources industry through academic scholarship, industry innovation and policy setting. You can read Dr Guthrie’s occasional address from the February 2017 Graduation Ceremony here.
Professor Deborah Terry (Vice-Chancellor) and Dr Vanessa Guthrie at the February 2017 Graduations
Emeritus Professor Constantine (Con) Michael AO
In recognition of his highly distinguished service in the field of medicine both in WA and nationally, and as a pioneer in establishing tertiary medical education and research in this State, particularly in his discipline of obstetrics and gynaecology. You can read Emeritus Professor Michael’s occasional address from the February 2017 Graduation Ceremony here.
Professor Deborah Terry (Vice-Chancellor), Emeritus Professor Con Michael, Professor William Hart (Dean of Medicine) and Mr Colin Beckett (Chancellor) at the February 2017 Graduations
An Honorary Doctor of Letters has been awarded to:
Chief Justice Wayne Martin
In recognition of exceptional contribution and ensuring greater access, transparency, compassion and human understanding to the administration of the law in Western Australia.
An Honorary Doctor of Science has been awarded to:
Emeritus Professor Michael McManus
For outstanding contributions to the science of human drug metabolism and exemplary leadership in the fields of science and higher education.
Professor Kevin Batty (Head of School of Pharmacy), Mr Colin Beckett (Chancellor), Emeritus Professor Michael McManus (Recipient), and Professor Deborah Terry (Vice-Chancellor)
In recognition of exceptional service to the Noongar people and Curtin University in the repatriation of the Herbert Mayer Collection of Carrolup Artworks: our heart coming home.
An Honorary Doctor of Letters has been awarded to:
Mr George Jones
In recognition of exceptional contribution to the mining industry and philanthropy in Western Australia.
Dr Frances Pinter
In recognition of distinguished contribution to the publishing industry and exceptional record of service to professional and public life.
Mr Malcolm McCusker
In recognition of distinguished contribution and outstanding achievements to the Western Australian community and to the University as a legal practitioner, philanthropist and Governor.
Mrs Tonya McCusker
In recognition of distinguished service to the University and the broader community in the fields of philanthropy, leadership and community well being.
An Honorary Doctor of Science has been awarded to:
Mr Andrew Mackenzie
In recognition of his contribution to the discipline of geochemistry and for strategic leadership in the resources industry.
This honorary award has been replaced by the Honorary Doctor of the University as at 1 January 2014.
An Honorary Doctor of Technology has been awarded to:
Dr Jim Gill
Professor Jeanette Hacket AM
Mr Garry Willinge
An Honorary Doctor of Science has been awarded to:
Mr Charles Morgan
In recognition of his vision and commitment to entrepreneurship and innovation.
An Honorary Doctor of Science has been awarded to:
Madam Swee Hia Lim
In recognition of her distinguished contribution to the field of nursing.
Professor Fiona Stanley
As Foundation Director of the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, Professor Stanley has championed health and medical research and the importance of children and youth for Australia’s future.
An Honorary Doctor of Science has been awarded to:
Mr Tom Calma
Dr John O’Sullivan
Professor Bryant Stokes
This honorary award has been replaced by the Honorary Doctor of the University as at 1 January 2014.
An Honorary Doctor of Technology has been awarded to:
Mr William Gordon Martin
An Honorary Doctor of Letters has been awarded to:
Mr Don Humphreys
An Honorary Doctor of Science has been awarded to:
Professor Guo Huadong
An Honorary Doctor of Science has been awarded to:
Dr Jim Ross
President (Professor) Lu Yongxiang
An Honorary Doctor of Letters has been awarded to:
Dr Ian Bernadt
Emeritus Professor David Black
Dr James Loh
This honorary award has been replaced by the Honorary Doctor of the University as at 1 January 2014.
An Honorary Doctor of Technology has been awarded to:
Emeritus Professor Lance Twomey
An Honorary Doctor of Science has been awarded to:
Professor Reginald Malcolm McCulloch
An Honorary Doctor of Letters has been awarded to:
Professor Reginald Thomas Appleyard AM
Hon John Cowdell
Ms Hazel Hawke
This honorary award has been replaced by the Honorary Doctor of the University as at 1 January 2014.
An Honorary Doctor of Technology has been awarded to:
Dato Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
His Excellency Lieutenant General John Sanderson AC
An Honorary Doctor of Letters has been awarded to:
Mr Richard Fairfax Court
Kim Shin Lee
Mr Ian MacKenzie
This honorary award has been replaced by the Honorary Doctor of the University as at 1 January 2014.
An Honorary Doctor of Technology has been awarded to:
Richard August Tastula
An Honorary Doctor of Letters has been awarded to:
Mr Brian Blanchflower
This honorary award has been replaced by the Honorary Doctor of the University as at 1 January 2014.
An Honorary Doctor of Technology has been awarded to:
Mr Charles Henry (Harry) Perkins
An Honorary Doctor of Letters has been awarded to:
Hon Dr Elsie Kay Hallahan
Mr Toshitami Kaihara
Mr Simon Lee
This honorary award has been replaced by the Honorary Doctor of the University as at 1 January 2014.
An Honorary Doctor of Technology has been awarded to:
Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr George Chan Hong Nam
An Honorary Doctor of Letters has been awarded to:
Mrs Ellen Jane Cox
Ms Cheryl May Davenport
Mrs Elizabeth Heenan
This honorary award has been replaced by the Honorary Doctor of the University as at 1 January 2014.
An Honorary Doctor of Technology has been awarded to:
Philip Michael Jeffery
Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud
An Honorary Doctor of Letters has been awarded to:
Dr Diana Lynn Allen
Mrs Patricia Bunny
Dr Kun Pui Cheong
Mr Clive Deverall
Ms Pantjiti Mary McLean
An Honorary Doctor of Science has been awarded to:
Ms Ann Choo
This honorary award has been replaced by the Honorary Doctor of the University as at 1 January 2014.
An Honorary Doctor of Technology has been awarded to:
Emeritus Professor Marcus Liveris
An Honorary Doctor of Letters has been awarded to:
Haruhisha Handa
This honorary award has been replaced by the Honorary Doctor of the University as at 1 January 2014.
An Honorary Doctor of Technology has been awarded to:
Emeritus Professor John Edgar Maloney
An Honorary Doctor of Letters has been awarded to:
Mr Trevor Michael Gorey
Dr Carol Rudyard
An Honorary Doctor of Science has been awarded to:
Ms Joy Brann
Professor Michael Daube
This honorary award has been replaced by the Honorary Doctor of the University as at 1 January 2014.
An Honorary Doctor of Technology has been awarded to:
Hon Mr Justice Peter Frederick Brinsden
Mr Harry William Sorensen
Dr Howard Hamilton Taylor
An Honorary Doctor of Letters has been awarded to:
Ms Audrey Jackson
Mr Richard Malkin Bradley Reynolds
Ms Miriam Stannage
Mr Michio Torii
An Honorary Doctor of Letters has been awarded to:
Mr Edmund William Barker
Dr Richard Cleaver
Mr Raymond F Johnson
Hon Mr Justice Henry Litton
President Fidel Valdes Ramos
Dr Suebtrakul Soonthornthum
An Honorary Doctor of Science has been awarded to:
Mr Leon Andrew Davis
Dr Eric Gaychee Tan
This honorary award has been replaced by the Honorary Doctor of the University as at 1 January 2014.
An Honorary Doctor of Technology has been awarded to:
Emeritus Professor John de Laeter
An Honorary Doctor of Letters has been awarded to:
Dr Kay Chai Khoo
Tan Sri Dato Dr Lim Kok Wing Lim
Dato Ming Swee Tan
An Honorary Doctor of Science has been awarded to:
Mr Ian F Burston
Mr Brian Clifford Edwards
Dr Roy M Green
Dr Michael G Kailis
Dr RogerA G Vines
An Honorary Doctor of Letters has been awarded to:
Mrs Elizabeth A Churcher
An Honorary Doctor of Science has been awarded to:
Dr Frank R Honey
This honorary award has been replaced by the Honorary Doctor of the University as at 1 January 2014.
An Honorary Doctor of Technology has been awarded to:
Hon Malcolm John Bryce
Dr Colin Rex Joyner
An Honorary Doctor of Letters has been awarded to:
Datuk Sin Bee Cheah
Tan Sri Dato’ Kay Peng Khoo
An Honorary Doctor of Letters has been awarded to:
Tan Sri Dr Chin Tuan Tan
An Honorary Doctor of Science has been awarded to:
Mr Charles H Warman
This honorary award has been replaced by the Honorary Doctor of the University as at 1 January 2014.
An Honorary Doctor of Technology has been awarded to:
Sir James Cruthers
An Honorary Doctor of Letters has been awarded to:
Dr Francis Aubie Sharr
An Honorary Doctor of Science has been awarded to:
Sir Arvi Parbo
Dr Alec Francis Trendall
This honorary award has been replaced by the Honorary Doctor of the University as at 1 January 2014.
An Honorary Doctor of Technology has been awarded to:
Sir Donald Payze Eckersley
This honorary award has been replaced by the Honorary Doctor of the University as at 1 January 2014.
An Honorary Doctor of Technology has been awarded to:
Professor Donald Walter Watts
This honorary award has been replaced by the Honorary Doctor of the University as at 1 January 2014.
An Honorary Doctor of Technology has been awarded to:
Emeritus Professor Elizabeth Jolley
This honorary award has been replaced by the Honorary Doctor of the University as at 1 January 2014.
An Honorary Doctor of Technology has been awarded to:
Hon Mr Justice Alan J Barblett
This honorary award has been replaced by the Honorary Doctor of the University as at 1 January 2014.
An Honorary Doctor of Technology has been awarded to:
Dr Thomas S Ivankovich
This honorary award has been replaced by the Honorary Doctor of the University as at 1 January 2014.
An Honorary Doctor of Technology has been awarded to:
Sir George Bedbrook
Dr Walter Douglas Neal
This honorary award has been replaced by the Honorary Doctor of the University as at 1 January 2014.
An Honorary Doctor of Technology has been awarded to:
Sir Charles Court
Dr Dolph W Zink
This honorary award has been replaced by the Honorary Doctor of the University as at 1 January 2014.
An Honorary Doctor of Technology has been awarded to:
Dr Reginald C Buckett
Dr Hayden Stanley Williams
This honorary award has been replaced by the Honorary Doctor of the University as at 1 January 2014.
An Honorary Doctor of Technology has been awarded to:
Dr Erica Underwood
An Honorary Doctor of Arts has been awarded to:
Ms Pippin Drysdale
In recognition of her outstanding contribution to the field of ceramic arts and developing the Western Australian arts community.
An Honorary Doctor of Commerce has been awarded to:
Mr Richard Goyder AO
In recognition of exceptional leadership in business and outstanding contributions to the Australian Community.
Ms Amanda Healy
In recognition of distinguished services to business and commerce as an outstanding businesswoman and social entrepreneur, with an exceptional contribution to empowering Aboriginal women through employment and leadership programs.
An Honorary Doctor of Engineering has been awarded to:
Mr William Bill Beament
In recognition of distinguished service to the mining sector and mining education in Western Australia through outstanding leadership, advocacy and influence.
Mr Thomas Shannon
In recognition for distinguished services to engineering through sustained innovation in the development of motion capture systems, with worldwide benefits in the health and life sciences, entertainment and engineering.
Mr Irving Tan Tiang Yew
In recognition of distinguished services to engineering, advancing the discipline through visionary technological innovation and transformation, and university-industry collaboration.
An Honorary Doctor of Laws has been awarded to:
Ms Helen Corbett
In recognition of outstanding contributions to the cause of justice for Indigenous peoples in Australia and throughout the world.
An Honorary Doctor of Letters has been awarded to:
Professor Anant Agarwal
In recognition of his leadership role in providing access to high-quality education on a global scale.
Professor Sir Ian Diamond
In recognition of outstanding service in social science and higher education and advanced international research collaboration in Western Australia.
Mr Terry Agnew
In recognition of outstanding service to Curtin University that has enhanced the Faculty of Business and Law’s global standing; and for ongoing leadership within the Western Australian business community.
Mr Colin Barnett
In recognition of important support provided, as Premier of Western Australia, for key Curtin University initiatives, and significantly improved services to the underprivileged and disadvantaged of our community.
Mr Colin Beckett
In recognition of significant and extended service to Curtin University; and a substantial record of contribution to the education, energy, science and infrastructure sectors in Australia.
Professor Eric Charoux
In recognition of furthering Curtin’s strategic aims as a global university through the successful establishment of the Charles Telfair Institute and its evolution into the Curtin Mauritius campus.
Mrs Odylle Charoux
In recognition of furthering Curtin’s strategic aims as a global university through the successful establishment of the Charles Telfair Institute and its evolution into the Curtin Mauritius campus.
This honorary award has been replaced by the Honorary Doctor of the University as at 1 January 2014.
An Honorary Doctor of Technology has been awarded to:
Sir Wallace Kyle
Sir Laurence Brodie-Hall
This honorary award has been replaced by the Honorary Doctor of the University as at 1 January 2014.
An Honorary Doctor of Technology has been awarded to:
Dr Roy Haliday Henderson