Atheist author gets doctorate

Biologist has made Darwin’s discoveries ‘accessible’ to all

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CELEBRATED scientist Richard Dawkins received an honorary degree at Aberdeen University yesterday.

The biologist, who has courted controversy due to his staunch atheist beliefs, was given a doctorate of science at the university’s graduation ceremony at Elphinstone Hall, Old Aberdeen.

The author of worldwide bestseller The God Delusion was recognised for his work, which champions and expands upon Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution.

Professor Chris Secombes, head of the university’s school of biological sciences, paid tribute to the scientist at the ceremony, describing him as “a loud and persuasive voice of rationality”.

He said: “His achievement has been to make one of the most important scientific discoveries, namely evolution and natural selection, accessible to the general public.

“Few scientists have done more than Richard Dawkins to explain the workings, power, beauty and philosophical implications of Darwin’s ideas, that form the bedrock to modern biology but remain controversial to many.”

He has helped bring Darwin’s ideas to a wider audience through books such as bestseller the Greatest Show on Earth and his documentary TV series The Genius of Charles Darwin.