Rector of the University of Bonn awarded Honorary Doctorate by St Andrews
The University of St Andrews has awarded an honorary Doctor of Science (DSc) degree to Professor Michael Hoch, Rector of the University of Bonn, in recognition of his distinguished contributions to molecular biology, academic leadership, and international cooperation in higher education.
Professor Hoch received the honour during the University’s summer graduation ceremonies today (Friday 3 July 2026). The award recognises both his scientific achievements and his role in advancing research excellence and global academic partnerships.
As Rector since 2015, Professor Hoch has led the University of Bonn through a period of significant success, including its designation as a University of Excellence in Germany’s Excellence Strategy in both 2019 and 2026. Under his leadership, Bonn secured six Clusters of Excellence in 2018 and eight in 2025, making it one of Germany’s most successful universities in the competition.
Speaking of the honour, Professor Hoch highlighted the longstanding relationship between the two institutions.
“This honorary doctorate fills me with immense joy and gratitude. It means a great deal to me because it comes from Scotland’s oldest university and one of the world’s most respected academic institutions. St Andrews is one of the University of Bonn’s most valued international partners, and our universities have enjoyed close links for well over a century.”
The Universities of St Andrews and Bonn share a long history of collaboration. Their partnership was formalised through a strategic cooperation agreement in 2018, supporting joint activity in research, teaching and professional services. Since then, the relationship has expanded through collaborative research projects, student and staff exchanges, joint appointments, and shared initiatives.
In 2023, St Andrews and Bonn were among the founding members of the Global Universities for Societal Impact (GUSI) network, alongside three other international institutions.
Professor Hoch is a molecular developmental biologist whose research focuses on lipid metabolism and the relationship between insulin signalling pathways and innate immunity. Alongside his role as Rector, he serves as Chair of German U15 and President of the German Academic Scholarship Foundation.
This is the second honorary doctorate awarded to Professor Hoch by an international partner university, following recognition from Waseda University in Japan in 2017.
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