Dr Angela Merkel, Baroness Carr and Professor Philippe Sands nominated for honorary degrees in law

The University has announced the award of three honorary degrees in law to recognise the outstanding achievements of the nominees.

The former Federal Chancellor of Germany, Dr Angela Merkel, was nominated in recognition of her leadership and contribution to international relations. The first woman to hold the Chancellorship of a reunited Germany, Dr Merkel is renowned for her influence both in shaping European institutions and promoting unity and co-operation.

Also nominated to be Doctors of Law were two University and Faculty alumni:

Baroness Carr of Walton-on-the-Hill is Lady Chief Justice of England and Wales, and the first woman to be Head of the Judiciary and President of the Courts in England and Wales, Sue Carr is an alumna and Honorary Fellow of Trinity College and also the Visitor of Darwin College.

Responding to her nomination, Baroness Carr said:

"I am delighted to have been nominated for an honorary doctorate in law by Cambridge University. My legal education started there at Trinity College, where I have maintained close ties throughout my career. The opportunity to strengthen my connections with the wider legal community and the University as a whole is very welcome and, as the first Lady Chief Justice of England and Wales, I look forward to working with the University's lawyers and judges of the future."

...as the first Lady Chief Justice of England and Wales, I look forward to working with the University's lawyers and judges of the future Baroness Carr

Barrister, academic and writer, Professor Philippe Sands, was also proposed. He has extensive experience in international, environmental, criminal and maritime law as an advocate in the International Courts. An alumnus of Corpus Christi College, visiting fellow of the Lauterpacht Centre for International Law, and former Fellow of St Catharine’s College and Visiting Fellow at Jesus College, he is Professor of Law and Director of the Centre on International Courts and Tribunals at University College London.

Professor Sands also shared his thoughts regarding the nomination:

"My life in the law began in Cambridge, a most special place of incredibly happy memories, where seeds were sown by a wonderful group of teachers and then colleagues, not least at the Lauterpacht Centre for International Law, a spiritual home of sorts - I have remained in close contact with the University and Law Faculty, so this honour is one that is truly affecting, significant and hugely appreciated."

In total, eight nominations for honorary degrees were made by the University Council. After final approval by the Regent House (the University's governing body) all eight individuals will be admitted to their degrees at a special Congregation on Wednesday, 24 June. The University’s Chancellor, Lord Smith of Finsbury, will preside at a ceremony attended by staff, students and alumni, as well as specially invited guests.