AMBER Researcher Awarded Honorary Doctorate from the University of Latvia

26 September 2025

AMBER Researcher and Deputy Director Professor Justin D. Holmes of UCC has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate (Doctor honoris causa) by the University of Latvia. The conferring ceremony took place in Riga on Friday, 26th 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”.