Honorary graduates and pan-University prize winners
2026
Honorary graduates
At each of our Graduation ceremonies we bestow honorary degrees on distinguished people who have had a major influence on the subject areas in which we specialise.
Here are the biographies of the honorary graduates that we are proud to appoint in 2026.
Nick Elliott CB MBE
Kata Escott CB
Iain Ferguson CBE
Massimo Fumarola
Alan Newby
Sir Peter Rigby, Ld'H, DL
Pan-University prize winners
Congratulations to all prize winners this year!
Each year there are three prestigious prizes awarded across the University - one for doctoral students, one for taught master's degree students and one for undergraduate degree students.
The Lord Kings Norton Medal
The Vice-Chancellor's Prize winners
Nick Elliott CB MBE
Chief Executive Officer, AWE Nuclear Security Technologies
Nick Elliott joined AWE plc as Chief Executive Officer in March 2024.
Nick is a business leader with significant experience of leading organisations, from technology start ups to multi-billion pound businesses focussed on technology, defence and infrastructure. His career has spanned both the public and private sectors and he is an experienced non-executive director, public speaker, reservist
and angel investor.
He began his career as an Army officer in the Royal Engineers where he served worldwide and commanded a bomb disposal squadron and a combat engineer regiment. He was Commandant of the Queens Gurkha Engineers and awarded the MBE for service on operations in Iraq.
In subsequent roles, he has been responsible for delivering some of the biggest rail infrastructure projects in the UK and was the Deputy CEO of Defence Equipment & Support. He set up and ran the UK Vaccine Task Force as Director General during Covid for which he was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath. More latterly, he was the inaugural UK CEO and Chair of Helsing, the fastest growing defence technology company in Europe.
He remains a non-executive director of Helsing Ltd as well as being a Trustee of the Royal Engineers Association and a serving member of the Staff Corps. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Directors, the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply, the Association of Project Management and the Institution of Royal Engineers.
Nick Elliott - Cranfield Honorary Graduand 2026
Nick Elliott - Cranfield Honorary Graduand 2026
“I am honoured to have been recognised by Cranfield University for my contribution to defence technology. My association with Cranfield, and Shrivenham in particular, goes back many years including my attendance on the first Defence Technology MSc course in 1996, 30 years ago this year! My career has taken me in many different directions since then but I have consistently drawn upon the learning and thinking skills that I attained during those formative years.”
Kata Escott CB
Managing Director, Airbus Defence and Space UK
Kata joined Airbus in 2023 as the Managing Director for Defence and Space UK where she is responsible for delivering products and services across the air, space and cyber domains. Prior to this she was a civil servant, supporting governments across a range of national security priorities since 2001.
During her time in the Ministry of Defence Kata advised Ministers and Chiefs on policy, operations and planning from the integrated civilian/ military headquarters in Whitehall. She led the 2021 Defence Review which saw a major reset of UK Armed Forces, a shift towards tackling state on state competition, and a £16.5 Bn investment towards a modern, tech-enabled military.
Kata has also held senior roles in the Cabinet Office - supporting the Prime Minister's National Security Council advising on the Integrated Review, AUKUS and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; leading the government's response to the 2013 Snowden intelligence crisis; and as the Chief of Staff to the Cabinet Secretary from 2016-19.
In 2022, Kata was a member of the senior leadership team charged with setting up the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. She remains passionate about the transformative potential at the intersection of science and technology and national security, and to that end, is committed to ever closer collaboration between government, industry and academia.
Kata Escott - Cranfield Honorary Graduand 2026
Kata Escott - Cranfield Honorary Graduand 2026
“I have long admired Cranfield as an institution that puts collaboration and innovation at the heart of its work. It is crucial we build strong connections across academia, industry and government if we are to push the boundaries of what’s possible and have impact in shaping our world. Cranfield is at the forefront of that effort and so, I am truly honoured to join this community alongside those celebrating their academic achievements here this year.”
Iain Ferguson CBE
Fifty years at the interface of science, agriculture and food production.
Chairman, Crest Nicholson plc, Genus plc and Personal Assets Trust plc
Iain was born in Scotland and raised on a Fife farm. He graduated in Chemistry from St Andrews University in 1977 and began a 26-year career with Unilever. This led him to work internationally across food sectors: animal nutrition, aquaculture, plant breeding, tea and oil palm plantations, frozen food and ice-cream.
From 2003 -2010 Iain was Chief Executive Officer of Tate & Lyle plc, the international sugar and food ingredient company. He has subsequently enjoyed working as a non-executive board member across industry, government and academia. He has Chaired Berendsen plc, Hallmarq Ltd, Stobart Group Ltd, Wilton Park (FCDO Agency) and been a Non-Executive Director on the boards of Balfour Beatty plc, Defra (Government Department), Sygen plc, Greggs plc, Companies House Agency and Rothamsted Research Ltd.
Throughout his career Iain has been involved with industry associations, being President of the Food and Drink Federation and the Institute of Grocery Distribution and Chairman of the British Nutrition Foundation. He was a member of the Commission for the Future of Food and Farming and was awarded a CBE in 2003 for services to the food industry.
Iain is currently Chairman of Crest Nicholson plc, Genus plc and Personal Assets Trust plc.
His first contact with Cranfield University was in the early 1990’s in the areas of tropical agriculture and international vegetable production. He joined the Cranfield University Council in 2015 and was Pro-Chancellor from 2019 until November 2025.
Iain is married to Catherine, a historian, and their daughter Lucy is an entrepreneur. They have one grandson and an ex-feral Indian street cat.
Iain Ferguson - Cranfield Honorary Graduand 2026
Iain Ferguson - Cranfield Honorary Graduand 2026
“It is indeed an honour to be awarded the degree of Doctor of Science Honoris Causa. For thirty years I have valued my association with Cranfield University, firstly as a ‘customer’ of Cranfield’s expertise in creating and applying sustainable innovation in food production, and later as a Council Member and Pro-Chancellor. I have huge respect for the work done here and the commitment to pioneering excellence in science, engineering and management, effectively disseminating this knowledge by first-rate teaching and partnership. I am delighted to be joining the Cranfield Alumni.”
Massimo Fumarola
Vice President Strategy and Product Performance, Alpine
Massimo is an international business leader with 30 years of experience in the global automotive industry, including twenty years with the FIAT Group and seven years with the Volkswagen Group. A "true car guy" at heart, his career is driven by a genuine passion for the automobile that defines his executive leadership. Throughout his professional journey, he has lived and worked in six different countries developing a deeply international perspective on the sector.
He holds a master’s degree in engineering of industrial technologies from Politecnico di Milano, focusing on the integration of design, product management, and business development. This technical foundation is complemented by an MBA from Cranfield University and professional accreditation as a Chartered Engineer.
Currently, Massimo serves as the Vice President for Strategy and Product Performance for Alpine at Renault Group in France. He recently served as the Chief Executive Officer and Member of the Board of Directors for the Morgan Motor Company in the United Kingdom, where he led the strategic transformation and relaunch of the brand.
Previously, he was the Chief Project Management Officer and a Member of the Board of Management at Automobili Lamborghini. His career further includes serving as Senior Vice President for Commercial Vehicles Global Portfolio Strategy at CNH Industrial and as the Director of Product Portfolio Development at Ferrari. He is recognised as a Notable Alumnus of Politecnico di Milano and a German Marshall Memorial Fellow.
“Receiving this Honorary Doctorate feels like the beautiful closing of a circle. Almost thirty years ago, I arrived on this campus as a young engineer, Cranfield did more than shape my career, it provided the discipline and the resilience that have been my compass ever since. I return today deeply grateful for what I learned, for the people I met, and for the journey that began on this campus.”
Alan Newby
Group Director of Research and Technology, Rolls-Royce plc
Alan Newby is Group Director of Research and Technology at Rolls-Royce, where he defines and leads the company's technology and innovation strategy. He also works closely with customers to understand future requirements, shapes the development of next-generation products, and builds global partnerships to co-fund advanced technology programmes. This strategy is underpinned by long-term relationships with a global network of 29 University Technology Centres.
Alan began his career with steam turbine manufacturer NEI Parsons in Newcastle and has spent 39 years with Rolls‑Royce. During this time, he has played a central role in shaping the highly successful Trent family of engines and has held a range of senior engineering leadership positions in both the UK and Germany. These include Chief Engineer for the IAE V2500 engine on the A320, Engineering Director of Rolls‑Royce Deutschland, and Vice President of Engineering for Future Programmes, where he was instrumental in defining the next‑generation UltraFan engine programme.
In addition to his executive role, Alan holds several external technology advisory positions, including Non‑Executive Director of the Aerospace Technology Institute, member of the Henry Royce Institute Governing Board and the EPSRC Council. He is also a Director of Rolls‑Royce Deutschland and Rolls‑Royce Japan.
Alan is a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, the Royal Aeronautical Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering where, as Chair of the Engineering Leaders Scholarship Programme, he is strongly committed to developing the next generation of engineering leaders.
Alan Newby - Cranfield Honorary Graduand 2026
Alan Newby - Cranfield Honorary Graduand 2026
“It is a very great honour to receive this award from Cranfield University, which has played such an important role in my own journey. I was proud to complete my MSc at Cranfield in 1993, and throughout my career at Rolls‑Royce we have continued to collaborate closely with the University to solve today’s problems and address tomorrow’s challenges together. Cranfield exemplifies the powerful impact of industry–academia partnership in shaping the future of sustainable aviation”
Sir Peter Rigby, Ld'H, DL
President and Founder, Rigby Group PLC
Sir Peter spent his entire career in computer technology having first gained an initial grounding with two major US Corporations.
As an entrepreneur, he set out with £2,000 of savings to establish his own business, which over the last 50 years has emerged as the largest privately owned international information technology group in Europe.
This company, Specialist Computer Centres (SCC), is part of the Rigby Group, which is still a wholly owned private business and in the top 250 global listing of 100% family-owned businesses. In parallel Sir Peter developed his lifelong interest in aviation. Initially as an aviator and then through the build and acquisition of many aviation-related businesses including the ownership and operation of airports through Regional and City Airports Group.
Throughout his career, Sir Peter's businesses have operated as dynamic, yet ethically responsible, espousing family values with a strong commitment of putting back into society, through both the Rigby Foundation and his personal charitable trust. This responsible leadership has been essentially directed towards education, career development, cancer care and food poverty.
Sir Peter continues to engage with the businesses as Founder and Chairman and Lead Trustee of the charities and retains his association with the the Royal Air Force as Honorary Group Captain in 601 Squadron R. Aux. AF.
He was knighted in 2002 for his services to information technology and business in the West Midlands, and in 2021 was awarded the Légion d'Honneur, for his contribution to the French economy and Anglo / French relationships, the first UK businessman to receive such an accolade.
Sir Peter Rigby - Cranfield Honorary Graduand 2026
Sir Peter Rigby - Cranfield Honorary Graduand 2026
“I am delighted to be honoured by Cranfield following a long career in technology and aviation. My journey encompasses the creation of a major international information technology group and in parallel a range of aviation-related businesses. For many years I have enjoyed a relationship with Cranfield and have admired its leadership and standing as a major engineering and science-led authority.”
Pan-University prize winners
Congratulations to all prize winners this year!
Each year there are three prestigious prizes awarded across the University - one for doctoral students, one for taught master's degree students and the other for taught undergraduate degree students.
The Lord Kings Norton Medal
Named after Lord Kings Norton, Cranfield's first Chancellor, the Lord Kings Norton Medal is the only prize awarded across all doctoral students at the University.
In recognition of the calibre of their PhD, their drive and contribution to the University, we congratulate the 2026 Lord Kings Norton Medal winner.
Dr Agapi Bakogianni
(Aerospace PhD 2026)
Dr Agapi Bakogianni - The Lord Kings Norton Medal winner 2026
Dr Agapi Bakogianni - The Lord Kings Norton Medal winner 2026
“Receiving this award is a great honour and recognises my hard work. I feel very grateful for my transformative time at Cranfield. My supervisors' generous support and all the experiences I had, contributed to developing the skills that led to this distinction.”
The Vice-Chancellor's Prize winner (postgraduate)
This is the only prize awarded across all postgraduate taught master's degree students at the University.
For outstanding grades, dedication and contribution to the University, we congratulate the 2026 Vice-Chancellor's Prize (postgraduate) winner.
Juan Carlos Albelda Gimeno,
Avionics and Electrical Engineer, Boeing Co.
(Aerospace Vehicle Design MSc 2025)
Juan Carlos Albelda Gimeno - The Vice-Chancellor's Prize (postgraduate) winner 2026
Juan Carlos Albelda Gimeno - The Vice-Chancellor's Prize (postgraduate) winner 2026
“Receiving the Vice-Chancellor’s Prize is a great honour and a meaningful recognition of the dedication and effort I have invested throughout my studies. It reflects not only academic achievement but also the support and inspiration I received from the Cranfield community. I am proud to have been part of such a challenging and rewarding programme.”
The Vice-Chancellor's Prize winner (undergraduate)
This is the only prize awarded across all taught undergraduate degree students at the University.
For outstanding grades, dedication and contribution to the University, we congratulate the 2026 Vice-Chancellor's Prize (undergraduate) winner.
Ben Louis Highcock
Consultant Analyst, BAE Systems
(Digital and Technology Solutions BSc 2025)
Ben Louis Highcock - The Vice-Chancellor's Prize (undergraduate) winner 2026
Ben Louis Highcock - The Vice-Chancellor's Prize (undergraduate) winner 2026
“It was a real honour and surprise to receive this award, particularly as the inaugural (undergraduate) recipient. It marks the pinnacle of a truly rewarding experience studying at Cranfield, where I have been supported to develop my talents alongside working. I am incredibly grateful to the Vice-Chancellor for this recognition, which motivates me to continue pushing myself and making a meaningful impact.”
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