Dr John Rutter CBE (1967, Honorary Fellow) has been knighted for services to music.

A former Director of Music of Clare, John is one of the most prolific composers of church music in recent times. His Christmas carols are world-renowned whilst other major works include ‘Gloria’, ‘Requiem’ and ‘Magnificat’. He has guest conducted/lectured at concert halls, universities, churches, music festivals, and conferences globally. He has conducted concerts at the Royal Albert Hall with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. National and local choral societies, churches, school and community choirs all recognise his inspiring works. He has composed music for the weddings of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and for the Queen’s Golden and Platinum Jubilee thanksgiving services, and the Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla. He is a champion of making choral music accessible, through his Come and Sing workshop events which are open to all. In 2023 he was awarded the Ivors Academy’s highest award, the Academy Fellowship, in recognition of excellence and impact in the art and craft of music creation. 

Professor James Skea CBE FRSE (1975) has been knighted for services to climate science.

James is an internationally renowned scientific leader having dedicated over forty years to ensuring the challenges of climate change are understood and action to avert them is undertaken for the benefit of humanity. He is Chair of the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and is the first UK Chair of this august body. He spearheaded initiatives to expand participation in the IPCC, including an open competition for early career scientists from developing countries to participate as chapter scientists, providing invaluable career development and networking. He co-led the landmark IPCC report on global warming of 1.5C, which led to a step change in global climate action by triggering net zero targets covering 90% of global emissions. He also co-led the flagship 2022 report on Climate Change Mitigation, providing a blueprint for mitigating emissions which has informed accelerated commitments in the UN, G20 and beyond. He was a member of the UK Climate Change Committee responsible for advising the Government on progress to net zero. From 2018-2023, he chaired the Scottish Just Transition Commission.