University recognises outstanding contributions with announcement of its honorary degrees

The Academy-award winning director of the film the Titanic, James Cameron, is among those to receive an honorary degree from the University of Southampton next month (Tuesday 20 July).

This year, the University is acknowledging distinguished contributions to marine science, medicine, geography, engineering, international relations, and textile conservation in awarding its honorary degrees.

Those receiving awards are:

James Cameron
Academy Award-winning director James Cameron has made an outstanding contribution to marine science and maritime archaeology as part of his film-making. His 1997 film Titanic featured real footage of the liner on the seabed and won him 11 Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Film. He has since directed a 3-D motion picture called Ghosts of the Abyss, which included unseen footage of dives to the ocean floor to film the wreckage of the Titanic.

As well as directing, James Cameron is also famous for producing and writing a number of blockbuster films. His filmography includes: Aliens, True Lies, The Abyss, The Terminator and Terminator 2 Judgement Day.

James Cameron receives the honorary degree of Doctor of the University on Tuesday 20 July.

Professor Sir Graeme Catto
Professor Sir Graeme Catto is being recognised for his outstanding services to Medicine. Currently Sir Graeme is President of the General Medical Council and Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of London. In 2002, he was knighted for his services to medicine and medical education.

Professor Sir Graeme Catto receives the honorary degree Doctor of Medicine on Friday 16 July.

Dr Rita Gardner
Dr Rita Gardner is the Director and Secretary of the Royal Geographical Society. She has led a distinguished career within the arena of physical geography. Her research and publications have focused on environmental management, environmental history and change, weathering and sediment diagenesis. She was awarded a CBE for services to Geography in 2003.

Dr Rita Gardner receives the honorary degree of Doctor of Science on Wednesday 21 July.

Professor Sir Charles George
As an academic at the University of Southampton, Professor Sir Charles George held a number of posts including Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Biological Sciences, Dean of Medicine, and Professor of Clinical Pharmacology. He is currently the President-elect of the BMA (British Medical Association) and is the former Medical Director of the British Heart Foundation. In 1998, he was knighted for services to medicine and medical education.

Professor Sir Charles George receives the honorary degree of Doctor of Medicine on Friday 16 July.

Santina M Levey
Santina Levey is Trustee of the Textile Conservation Centre Foundation at the University of Southampton. She trained as a historian before becoming a museum curator, and worked for over 20 years at the Victoria and Albert Museum, where she was Keeper of the Department of Textiles and Dress. Currently she is an independent textile historian and consultant.

Santina Levey receives the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters on Monday 19 July.

Professor Geoffrey M Lilley
Professor Geoffrey Lilley joined the University of Southampton in 1964, as Professor and Head of the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics. He was a member of the Supersonic Transport Aircraft Committee from 1955, which led to the design of Concorde. Recently he has been working with NASA. He was awarded an OBE in 1981 and the Gold Medal of the Royal Aeronautical Society and the Aeroacoustic Medal of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics in 1983.

Professor Geoffrey Lilley receives the honorary degree of Doctor of Science on Tuesday 20 July.

David G Moorhouse
David Moorhouse is an engineer and has worked in the oil and gas, chemicals and petrochemicals, and pharmaceutical industries for more than 25 years. He is currently the Executive Chairman of Lloyds Register, and was formerly Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Kvaerner Process. In addition, Mr Moorhouse is a life member and Vice-Chairman of the UKs Foundation for Science and Technology.

David Moorhouse receives the honorary degree of Doctor of the University on Tuesday 20 July.

Professor Steve Smith
Southampton graduate, Professor Steve Smith undertook both his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at the University. He is Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter and a leading authority on International Relations. He is only the second British scholar to be named President-elect of the International Studies Association.

Professor Steve Smith receives the honorary degree of Doctor of Science in the Social Sciences on Tuesday 20 July.

Professor John Woods
John Woods is Professor of Oceanography at Imperial College London.
A former Southampton academic, he has published widely in the field of oceanography. At Southampton he was Professor of Physical Oceanography and he still maintains links by holding the post of honorary Professor at Southampton Oceanography Centre (part of the University of Southampton).

Professor John Woods receives the honorary degree of Doctor of Science on Wednesday 21 July.