Professor Brigitte Nerlich of the University’s Science, Technology and Society priority group and the School of Sociology and Social Policy receive a special honour at The University of Nottingham's winter graduation ceremony. Professor Nerlich was awarded a higher degree, a Doctor of Letters (D.Litt), for her published work in the field of ‘Science and Society’, with a special focus on the role of language and culture on public understanding of science.
In the United Kingdom, Australia, India and certain other countries, the degree is a higher doctorate, above the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), and is issued on the basis of a long record of research and publication. The degree D.Litt. is awarded to candidates whose record of published work and research shows conspicuous ability and originality and constitutes a distinguished and sustained achievement.
The degree may also be awarded honoris causa to such people the university in question deems worthy and notable recipients of a D.Litt have included Gordon Brown, J.R.R. Tolkien, Mark Twain, Rik Mayall and J. K. Rowling.
Professor Nerlich’s fields of interest include French, philosophy, linguistics, the history and sociology of science, and science and technology studies. She has published widely across these fields and disciplines, including ten books, over 100 peer-reviewed journal articles and a similar number of book chapters. Subjects of her research have included climate change, stem cell regulation, health and illness, disease and epidemics – including foot and mouth disease, MRSA and avian flu.
Posted on Friday 17th August 2012