Campus Digest

Professor David Parker awarded Honorary Doctor of Science Degree by Durham University

Wednesday, 19 August 2026

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Professor David Parker (2nd left) with Professor Karen O’Brien, Vice-Chancellor (1st left); Professor Jan Verlet, Head of the Department Chemistry (2nd right); and Professor Michael Shipman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (1st right) of Durham University.

 

Professor David Parker, Chair Professor in Chemistry at HKBU and an internationally renowned chemist, has been awarded the degree of Doctor of Science, honoris causa, by Durham University in the UK, in recognition of his pioneering work in molecular probes and sensors, which has resulted in the development of clinically important imaging and therapeutic agents.

Professor Parker’s research, which bridges organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry, has made seminal contributions to chiral molecular design and applied chemical science with significant impact on both fundamental research and medical applications. He has published over 450 research papers and patents and has been widely recognised with numerous prestigious awards. In 2002, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society.

Born in Leadgate, County Durham, Professor Parker returned to Durham City in 1982 after completing his studies at Oxford University and postdoctoral research in Strasbourg, France. Over the following four decades, he became a cornerstone of the Chemistry Department in Durham University. As a dedicated mentor and collaborator, Professor Parker has inspired and guided generations of scientists. Coinciding with HKBU’s 70th Anniversary, Professor Parker also celebrated his 70th birthday this year.

The honorary degree was awarded to Professor Parker at the summer congregation ceremony of Durham University held at the Durham Cathedral on 8 July. In his address, he expressed his gratitude for the honour, acknowledging family, friends, mentors, colleagues, and students who supported him throughout his journey. He also gave words of encouragement to the graduates in chemistry and archaeology, emphasising the value of shared experiences, fellowship, and self-discovery.