The other three recipients are World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus; economist Mariana Mazzucato and artificial intelligence researcher Kate Crawford.
The presentation of the honorary doctorates is part of the 410th anniversary of the RUG, which will be celebrated with a lustrum party full of activities from 21 to 25 May. The honorary doctorates have been selected based on four important RUG themes: energy, digitalization, sustainability and public health.
Kate Crawford
Dr. Kate Crawford will receive an honorary doctorate for her exceptional work as a researcher in the field of social change and media technology, specifically in the field of artificial intelligence and its impact. Crawford is affiliated with the University of Southern California. Her research appears in leading professional journals. She also wrote for The New York Times, among others.
Tedros Ghebreyesus
Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus will receive an honorary doctorate for his exceptional efforts and dedication as Director-General of the WHO in combating pandemics such as the coronavirus. He has held this position since 2017. During the corona crisis, Ghebreyesus became known worldwide and had to navigate between various international interests. He is also committed to combating other diseases, including Ebola.
Gerrit Hiemstra
Ir. Gerrit Hiemstra will receive an honorary doctorate for his exceptional achievements as an expert in the field of meteorology and (the consequences of) climate change. Hiemstra is known in the Netherlands as a weather presenter at the NOS Journaal. He is currently co-owner of Weather Impact, focused on innovative solutions in the field of weather and climate. He is also co-founder of Oarshûs, which facilitates the sustainable construction of homes.
Mariana Mazzucato
Prof. Dr. Mariana Mazzucato will receive an honorary doctorate for her exceptional achievements as an economist in the field of technological change, the role of the public sector in innovation and the concept of value in the economy. Mazzucato is a professor at University College London, where she founded the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose. She advises policymakers around the world on innovation and sustainable economic growth.
