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News 2025
Professor Justin Holmes Awarded Honorary Doctorate from the University of Latvia
The School of Chemistry, University College Cork (UCC) is delighted to announce that Professor Justin D. Holmes has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate (Doctor honoris causa) by the University of Latvia.
The conferring ceremony took place in Riga on 26 September 2025.
This prestigious honour recognises Professor Holmes’ outstanding contributions to nanomaterials chemistry, advanced materials for sustainability, and international scientific collaboration. It particularly celebrates his 25-year research partnership with Professor Donats Erts and colleagues at the University of Latvia, a collaboration that has produced numerous joint publications, European research grants, and scientific exchanges.
Professor Holmes, based in UCC’s School of Chemistry, is internationally recognised for his research in nanoscience and materials chemistry. He is a Principal Investigator at UCC’s Sustainability Institute and AMBER, the Research Ireland Centre for Advanced Materials and BioEngineering Research. Through these roles, his group develops innovative materials for clean energy, advanced sensing, and environmental monitoring.
Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Professor Holmes said:
“I am honoured to receive this recognition from the University of Latvia. It is above all a celebration of the long-standing collaboration between Cork and Riga, particularly with Professor Donats Erts, and a reminder of the value of international partnerships in advancing science for society”.
Professor Anita Maguire, Head of the School of Chemistry at UCC, congratulated Professor Holmes on the award, noting:
“This is a richly deserved honour that recognises both Professor Holmes’ scientific excellence and the power of international collaboration. His work exemplifies UCC’s global outlook and our commitment to addressing major scientific and societal challenges through partnership”.
The honorary degree underscores the strong ties between UCC and the University of Latvia, and highlights the role of chemistry and materials science in building sustainable solutions for the future.
Professor Sarah Culloty, Head, College of Science, Engineering and Food Science, University College Cork, said:
“Professor Holmes’ recognition is a testament to his exceptional scientific achievements and his dedication to fostering international collaboration. His work in nanomaterials and sustainability reflects the values we champion at UCC—excellence, innovation, and global engagement. We are proud to see his contributions recognised by the University of Latvia".