KU Leuven and UC Louvain awarded five honorary doctorates to individuals and organisations for groundbreaking work in science and the arts at their annual Patron Saint’s Day on Monday.
The awards were presented jointly to celebrate the universities’ 600th anniversary.
Patron Saint’s Day is an annual event at KU Leuven in honour of Mary, the university’s patron saint. The tradition of awarding honorary doctorates on this day dates back to 1954.
American-Dutch biologist Frans de Waal (1948-2024), a leading primatologist, was recognised for his research on great ape behaviour, demonstrating that animals exhibit intelligence, self-awareness, and complex social interactions.
Doctors of the World received an honorary doctorate for providing medical aid to vulnerable groups worldwide, with a specific acknowledgment given to the Belgian branch.
The third recipient was visual artist Mona Hatoum, noted for her performances, video art, installations, and sculptures, which have been showcased in major museums globally.
German economist and philosopher Max Roser was honoured for founding the data repository Our World In Data.
Lastly, Burkinabe researcher Halidou Tinto, the driving force behind the Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro, was recognised for his lifelong dedication to combating malaria.
