1 year ago today I finally turned up to collect my PhD certificate in the usual ceremonial fashion. I deferred for a while (they only hold two a year) and pondered skipping the ceremonial event (and just getting it posted), but was ultimately convinced (I’m trying to avoid saying “nagged”) into attending an event, in person.
Educated though I may be I could not have imagined it’s historical significance. Firstly, it was the exact day that China came clean with the world about how serious Covid-19 really was, after several weeks of cover-ups and denial. Secondly, as a result of the very thing covered up, it would be the last traditional graduation ceremony for at least a year, and who knows how much longer..? Third, the Tory’s in house “Nudge Theory” guru David Halpern got an honorary doctorate (thus not a real one). The significance is that our useless Tory government would tinker with nudge theory solutions to Covid-19 for the next several weeks, before finally confronting the big-boy-pants requirement of a lockdown. So no doubt Mr Halpern played a not insignificant role in that folly.
An auspicious day 👩🎓 At least I got to wear a cool hat!
Dr Martin James 