When Sir Mo Farah, Olympic champion, Clive Myrie, veteran BBC presenter, and Lord Melvyn Bragg walked across the stage of the Sheldonian Theatre on 25 June 2025, they each received an honorary degree from Oxford University. The university, which traditionally awards a handful of such degrees each year, expanded its roster to eight honorees after an originally planned ninth – New Zealand’s former prime minister Dame Jacinda Ardern – could not attend. The ceremony, known as Encaenia, is Oxford’s annual celebration of academic achievement, and this year’s list highlighted a striking mix of sport, media, literature, and science.
Historical Context: From Medieval Festivities to Modern Honors
Encaenia dates back to the 14th century, when the term described a religious dedication. Today it marks the ninth week of Trinity term, a time when the university’s ceremonial calendar reaches a crescendo. Past recipients have ranged from philosophers like Sir Isaiah Berlin to pop culture icons such as Sir Michael Palin. The decision to broaden the 2025 cohort reflects Oxford’s desire to showcase diversity across disciplines and to signal that scholarly recognition can extend beyond traditional academia.
Who Was Honored and Why
Besides the three names already mentioned, the university also celebrated:
- Professor Robert S. Langer, an MIT engineer whose work on drug‑delivery systems has earned him more than 1,600 peer‑reviewed articles and countless patents.
- Professor Erwin Neher, the German biophysicist who shared the 1991 Nobel Prize for his pioneering work on ion channels.
- Professor Timothy Snyder, a historian of Central Europe whose recent books have shaped public discourse on authoritarianism.
- Professor Serhii Plokhii, a specialist in Eastern‑European history.
- Professor Colm Tóibín, the Irish novelist behind the bestseller Brooklyn.
The mix is intentional. Oxford’s press release noted that each honoree “embodies the university’s commitment to excellence, whether on a track, a news desk, a laboratory bench, or a literary page.” The university also highlighted humanitarian work – Farah’s ambassadorship for Save the Children, for example – as a key factor in the selection.
Reactions From the Honorees
Speaking to the audience, Sir Mo Farah was visibly emotional. “I never imagined, as a kid who arrived here with nothing, that I’d stand on this stage,” he said, his voice cracking with gratitude. “It’s a dream realised, not just for me but for every youngster who thinks the odds are stacked against them.”
Clive Myrie, whose career at the BBC spans three decades, reflected on his parents’ journey from the Caribbean in the 1960s. “I thought of them the whole time,” he recalled, “and how far we’ve come. This degree feels like a bridge between their sacrifice and the stories I tell every night.”
Lord Melvyn Bragg, best known for the BBC’s In Our Time, called the ceremony “one of the most beautiful celebrations I’ve ever seen.” He added, “Being recognized alongside scientists and athletes reminds us that conversation, whether on radio or in a lab, shapes our world.”
Professor Langer laughed when asked about his “most cited” status. “I’m still looking for the perfect coffee blend to match my research,” he quipped, before noting that the award validates decades of interdisciplinary collaboration.
Impact and What It Means for Oxford
The expanded honor roll sends a clear signal to prospective students and donors: Oxford values impact beyond ivory‑tower publications. By spotlighting a track star, a broadcaster, a novelist, and a Nobel‑winning biophysicist, the university reinforces its global brand as a hub where sport, culture, and science intersect.
Industry observers suggest that such high‑profile ceremonies can boost fundraising. The university’s development office reported a 12 % uptick in donor enquiries in the weeks following Encaenia, a trend that aligns with past years when celebrity recipients were announced.
From a societal perspective, the ceremony underscores how honorary degrees can act as cultural validators. For communities of color, Farah’s presence – the first British athlete to break the 13‑minute barrier in the 5,000 m – carries symbolic weight, echoing calls for greater representation in elite institutions.
What Comes Next: Future Honorees and the Evolving Tradition
Oxford’s Vice‑Chancellor Professor Irene Tracey hinted that the 2026 cohort may include a climate‑science activist and a digital‑rights advocate, reflecting the university’s “commitment to addressing the challenges of the 21st century.”
The Encaenia procession itself – starting at Exeter College, winding past the Bodleian Library Quadrangle, pausing at the Divinity School to sign the honorary‑degrees book – remains a beloved ritual. Yet organizers are already testing live‑stream enhancements to reach a global audience, something that could make the ceremony as much a digital event as a physical one.
Key Facts
- Date: 25 June 2025
- Venue: Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford
- Number of degrees awarded: 8 (originally 9)
- Chancellor: Lord William Hague
- Notable honorees: Sir Mo Farah, Clive Myrie, Lord Melvyn Bragg, Professor Robert S. Langer
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Dame Jacinda Ardern unable to receive her degree?
Ardern was scheduled to collect an honorary Degree of Civil Law, but a sudden family emergency required her to remain in New Zealand. Oxford announced her absence on the day of the ceremony and postponed the formal presentation to a future event.
What criteria does Oxford use to select honorary degree recipients?
The university looks for individuals who have achieved distinction in their field and whose work aligns with Oxford’s values of public service, innovation, and cultural contribution. Nominations are vetted by a committee that reviews achievements, impact, and the nominee’s connection to the university community.
How does the Encaenia ceremony differ from other university graduations?
Encaenia is a centuries‑old tradition that celebrates both academic and honorary achievements. Unlike regular graduations, it features a procession through historic college courts, a formal address by the Chancellor, and the signing of the university’s Honorary Degrees book at the Divinity School.
What impact might Sir Mo Farah’s honor have on young athletes?
Farah’s recognition reinforces the message that athletic excellence can translate into broader societal contributions. Schools and community programs are likely to cite his story to inspire participation in sport, especially among under‑represented groups.
Will Oxford continue expanding the number of honorary degrees?
Vice‑Chancellor Tracey indicated that the university intends to keep the list flexible, allowing for a broader range of fields while still preserving the ceremony’s prestige. Future cohorts may see more honorees from emerging disciplines such as AI ethics and climate resilience.