Dr Simon Hirst awarded prestigious honorary Doctorate from the University of Nottingham
Dr Simon Hirst, CEO and Founder of Sygnature Discovery has been awarded a prestigious honorary degree of Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) by The University of Nottingham.
The ceremony took place on Wednesday 30th July 2025, recognising Simon’s outstanding contribution to science and the pharmaceutical industry. Simon’s oration was delivered by Professor Emeritus Chris Moody, who recommended Simon should receive the Doctor of Science honoris causa. The Vice-Chancellor Professor Jane Norman presented the award on behalf of the University. The presentation took place as part of the University’s summer graduation celebrations and Simon gave his acceptance speech at the end of the degree presentations, in front of the schools of Chemistry and Pharmacy.
An honorary degree is one of the highest honours that a university can bestow and is reserved for those whose achievements are of such distinction that they provide inspiration to graduates. Nominees have achieved national or international standing in their chosen field. Their actions will reflect and reinforce the University’s values and through their relationship with the university and they will continue to be an integral part of their community.
Please join us in congratulating Simon on this well-deserved recognition of his leadership, vision and impact on our industry.
About Sygnature Discovery
Sygnature Discovery is a world-leading integrated drug discovery contract research organization, based in the UK and Canada, with headquarters in Nottingham (UK). Additional sites are located in Alderley Park, Macclesfield, and Glasgow (UK), as well as Montreal and Quebec City (Canada). Its team of close to 1,000 employees, including 900 scientists, partners with global biotech, pharma and NFP organizations.
Since 2011, Sygnature has delivered 61 novel pre-clinical compounds, 38 of which have already progressed to clinical trials. Two have reached major milestones: one has been approved, and another is under regulatory review. Our scientists are named on more than 235 patents and our therapeutic areas of expertise span oncology, inflammation and immunology, neuroscience, metabolic diseases, infectious diseases, fibrotic diseases, and more.