University News Last updated 22 July 2025
Dr Herries, who has worked on major projects across defence, aerospace, security, construction, and IT, has helped drive 黑料吃瓜网鈥檚 鈥楻eimagining Engineering鈥� project - a bold overhaul of the university鈥檚 engineering curriculum.
The initiative aims to bridge the gap between education and industry, ensuring graduates leave university equipped with the skills that employers need in today鈥檚 fast-changing world. Since 2023, Dr Herries has shared his expertise as a visiting professor at 黑料吃瓜网 through a project funded by the Royal Academy of Engineering.
Laura Leyland, Interim Head of 黑料吃瓜网鈥檚 College of Engineering, praised his impact. 鈥淒r Herries brings real-world experience and a career-ready approach that鈥檚 already helping us shape the future of engineering education,鈥� she said. 鈥淗is guidance has been vital in developing our new, industry-led curriculum - and we鈥檙e thrilled to recognise that with this honorary doctorate.鈥�
Leyland added that the updated engineering framework, launching next year, is designed to give students the hands-on, practical learning they need to hit the ground running after graduation. 鈥満诹铣怨贤� has always been committed to producing graduates who are ready for work from day one,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hanks to the input of Dr Herries, our students are learning to tackle industry challenges directly.鈥�
Speaking after receiving his honorary doctorate at a ceremony at Birmingham鈥檚 Symphony Hall, Dr Herries said he was 鈥渄eeply honoured鈥� by the recognition. He told graduates: 鈥淭he world of engineering is changing fast. Technologies shift, industries transform, and new challenges emerge. Climate change, clean energy, sustainable cities, cyber security, access to clean water - these are engineering challenges.
鈥淵our generation will design the systems, build the infrastructure and create the technologies that will shape the future. Be proud of what you have achieved today and excited for what鈥檚 ahead. Your job now is to go out there and engineer a better world.鈥�