Post by Colin Bailey CBE, FREng

Yesterday was our annual Founders' day, where our alumni, staff and students came together to celebrate the rich heritage of the University’s four founding institutions – The London Hospital Medical College, Queen Mary College, Westfield College and St Bartholomew’s Medical College – which spans over 240 years. The event also provided an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the University as it is today, its research and education excellence and the many wonderful achievements of its alumni, staff and students. "We know that its our past that shapes us, but it's our future that inspires us." Attended by over 300 guests, a highlight of the event was the bestowing of honorary degrees to Queen Mary alumni, who have made outstanding contributions to their fields. This year’s honorands were: Jo Parker-Swift (BSc Biology and Business), Founder and CEO of Sloivus: Honorary Doctor of Sciences for her work to drive innovation, inclusivity and impact in the field of engineering and clean energy. Dr Gerard Lyons (PhD Economics), Economist and podcast presenter: Honorary Doctor of Letters for his work in and contributions to the field of economics, finance and policy globally. Throughout the evening, guests had the opportunity to engage with and be inspired by some of the University’s world-leading research, which is ranked 7th in the UK and 31st in the world, through interactive stalls that dotted the University’s famous Octagon room. Great evening! QM Alumni