Glittering prizes

Amartya Sen has accepted Kingston University's offer of an honorary degree. Professor Sen will be in Stockholm collecting his Nobel prize in economics on the day of the official ceremony - but will visit Kingston on his return.

Oxford has honoured the presidents of Yale and Harvard - both Oxonians. Richard C. Levin of Yale and Neil L. Rudenstine of Harvard received honorary degrees at a ceremony on Monday. Both professors attended Oxford as Rhodes scholars.

Sir William Taylor, as well as being appointed acting vice-chancellor to see Thames Valley University through a difficult patch, has been awarded an honorary degree by King Alfred's College, Winchester.

This month De Montfort University has honoured, among others, Mi-kyung Lee, the world-class violinist; David Potter, founder of Psion plc; Michael Anderson of First Mark Communications Ltd, formerly of Motorola Ltd; and Michael Rycroft of the International Space University in France.

The University of North London will give honourary awards to, among others, Benjamin Zephaniah in recognition of his work as a prominent black poet and broadcaster; Ann Mullins, head teacher of Highbury Fields School, Islington; John Ogden for his contribution to international education; and Sir Geoffrey Allen, chancellor of the University of East Anglia.