THE producer of a string of award-winning films today (MONDAY JULY 4) received an honorary degree from Edinburgh Napier University. Glasgow-born Iain Smith – dubbed Europe’s busiest producer – has worked on blockbusters including The Killing Fields, The Mission, Children of Men, The Fifth Element and Mad Max: Fury Road. In 2005 he was awarded a BAFTA for Outstanding Achievement in Film, and he was made an OBE in 2008. He has also been a Governor of the National Film and Television School and Chair of the Edinburgh International Film Festival. Today he joined hundreds of students at a ceremony in the Usher Hall to receive an Honorary Doctorate of Arts.
Iain, chair of the British Film Commission, the Film Industry Training Board, the Film Skills Council and member of the Management Board of Screen Academy Scotland said: “I am honoured to receive this recognition from Edinburgh Napier University. It is all the more valued because it comes from my homeland.”
The other Edinburgh Napier University honorary degree recipients at this week’s graduation celebrations are:
• David Lanc, founder of award-winning cyber security firm Payfont and former executive director of RBS’s cards business, will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Enterprise on Tuesday 5th July.
• Professor Lesley Yellowlees, Head of the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Edinburgh and enthusiastic promoter of women in science, will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Science on Tuesday 5th July
• Nina Barough, founder of the famous fundraising MoonWalks, will receive an Honorary Doctorate of the University on Wednesday 6th July.
• Michael Welch, the entrepreneur whose Blackcircles.com has grown to be a major player in the UK tyre retail market, will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Enterprise on Wednesday 6th July
Professor Andrea Nolan, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University, said: “It is exciting to see people who have made such a significant impact on the worlds of science, industry and the arts joining our celebrations.
“Their drive and talent will inspire our students as they set out to make their own mark on the world.”