Professor Iain Martin, who played an integral part in bringing the first undergraduate medical school to Essex, returned to Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) to receive the award of Honorary Doctor of Health Sciences from current Vice Chancellor Professor Roderick Watkins during a ceremony at the Corn Exchange, Cambridge, yesterday afternoon (Tues).
Professor Martin was Vice Chancellor of ARU from 2016 until 2018, and is currently Vice Chancellor of Deakin University in Australia.
Born in South Wales, Professor Martin studied Medicine at the University of Leeds, and remained in the city to complete his postgraduate studies in surgery. He was appointed Lecturer in Surgery at Leeds University, and later, Consultant Surgeon at Leeds General Infirmary with a clinical focus primarily on gastrointestinal cancer and minimally invasive surgical techniques.
In 2000, Professor Martin accepted the role of Professor of Surgery at the University of Auckland, New Zealand and went on to hold a variety of roles at Auckland University, rising to the position of Deputy Vice Chancellor before being appointed Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic at the University of New South Wales in Sydney in 2012.
In 2016, Professor Martin was appointed Vice Chancellor of ARU and under his leadership, ARU made huge progress in providing excellent education and pastoral support for students, whilst continuing to enhance the impact of its research. Crucially, he played a major role in delivering Essex’s first School of Medicine.
In the summer of 2018, Iain left ARU to take up a fresh challenge as Vice Chancellor of Deakin University in Australia.
Professor Martin said: “It has felt like I have never been away. It’s really humbling and after two years of Covid, it’s really nice to be able to travel back from Australia and be here, so I’m just delighted.”
Professor Martin received his honorary degree at a graduation ceremony for students at the Faculty of Heath, Education, Medicine and Social Care, and the Faculty of Business and Law. In a message to those students, he added: “Graduation is always a milestone, but after the last two or three years and with everything you’ve had to navigate, it is all the more of an achievement. Wherever your journey takes you, make the most of it and enjoy it.”
Professor Roderick Watkins said: “Professor Martin, once an accomplished physician and surgeon, is now a visionary academic leader with long-standing links to our university. He will be an inspirational role model for our students. We are delighted to welcome him back to our Anglia Ruskin community.”
