A UWS graduate and distinguished chemist, who was awarded an OBE in 2023 for her contributions to chemical sciences and inclusion in science education and communications, has been recognised as part of University of the West of Scotland’s (UWS) graduations.

Dr Audrey Cameron, OBE, who graduated in 1991 with a BSc (Hons) in Chemistry, was celebrated as part of a ceremony taking place at Paisley Abbey on Friday 5 July.

Audrey is deaf and uses British Sign Language (BSL) and leads a range of projects to contribute to the Scottish Sensory Centre Glossary to agree new signs for science terminology. A repository of 5,000 signs for technical terms is now available, extending BSL vocabulary on technical terms and supporting access to, and communication within, science education.

Audrey teaches on the Edinburgh PGDE Secondary Education (Chemistry / General Science) course and the PGDE Primary Education course. She also delivers the Deaf Studies module as part of the MSc Inclusive Education team and is passionate about inclusivity for deaf children.

In 2022, Audrey was admitted as an Honorary Fellow of the RSC, its most senior category of membership reserved for those who are distinguished in the science or profession of chemistry.

UWS’s Associate Dean – Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Dr Khadija Mohammed, delivered Audrey’s laureation speech, which touched on her inspirational career to date.

It’s an honour to receive this Honorary Doctorate. As a graduate from UWS, the University will always hold a special place in my heart. I hope this will inspire others to continue championing the expansion of BSL and inclusion for deaf students.

Dr Audrey Cameron, OBE, BSc (Hons) Chemistry 1991

Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS, said: “Graduation is the pinnacle of the University calendar. It gives us the opportunity to both reflect on the amazing achievements of our students and to celebrate this most important of milestones with their friends and families, as well as the whole UWS community who have supported them throughout their time at university.

We are delighted to present Dr Cameron with this Honorary Doctorate. Her work on expanding scientific terminology for BSL and championing inclusive education is completely aligned with our ethos as Scotland’s leading university for widening access. As an alumna of UWS, Dr Cameron is a fantastic example of the high standard of career our graduates could go on to achieve.