Lapland University awards Leeds Beckett academic honorary doctorate

Research

24 April 2024

An academic from Leeds Beckett University is to receive an honorary doctorate for her commitment to Arctic education research. Professor Mhairi C Beaton, from the Carnegie School of Education, is being awarded the title Honorary Doctor of Education by the University of Lapland.

The University of Lapland confers honorary doctoral degrees on people who have developed their research and education, advanced international collaboration or promoted Lapland's culture and business life. Mhairi is one of ten from across the world receiving honorary doctorates.

In the last 20 years, she has collaborated with the Faculty of Education at the University of Lapland within the framework of UArctic's Thematic Network for Teacher Education for Social Justice and Diversity. This involves research on inclusive education, Indigenous and minority heritage education, education for social justice, equity and diversity, education in rural areas and digitalisation.

Mhairi said: "I read the email five times before I believed it. I'm a bit overwhelmed by the whole thing but delighted.

"The whole set-up is very different to our degree ceremonies in the UK. They have sent me a special hat measuring kit from a hat maker in Helsinki and I'll get a specially made light blue top hat. There is a whole week of events not just the actual ceremony. There's a sword whetting ceremony, processions to the church, a ball and excursions amongst other things."

In the citation from the University of Lapland, Professor Beaton is described as 'a merited researcher of education, an accomplished instructor, and an influential actor within international networks'.

Mhairi added: "As a founding member of the UArctic Thematic Network for Teacher Education for Social Justice and Diversity back in 2015, I have always taken a leading role within the network and the wider UArctic research activity which has led, I understand, to the award. As social justice is a key element of the work of the Carnegie School of Education, I have always received full support from my Dean for our work.

"The UArctic has also appreciated the contribution from LBU to its work with the President of the UArctic arranging for an agreement between the Finnish and UK government for increased research cooperation with LBU being named specifically as leaders in teacher education. As such, I have represented the UK government to provide expertise on Arctic education matters at a number of Arctic focused events including for the UK Embassy as a guest of the Ambassador in Helsinki and Moscow but also for the French Embassies in both countries."

Mhairi will be conferred in the conferment of degrees which will be held at the university next month.