Key Takeaways
- Professor Nishan Canagarajah, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester, has been knighted in the 2026 King’s New Year Honours for his contributions to higher education and championing inclusion.
- Professor Canagarajah has led the University of Leicester to become one of the most diverse universities in the country, with 38% of students from disadvantaged areas and 69% from minority ethnic backgrounds.
- He has established several initiatives, including the first IntoUniversity centre in Leicester, and has supported refugees and academics from Ukraine and Palestine.
- Professor Canagarajah has also taken on national roles, including Chair of UCEA, and has been a powerful voice for social change, tackling racial discrimination and increasing diversity.
Introduction to Professor Canagarajah’s Honour
Professor Nishan Canagarajah, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester, has been knighted in the 2026 King’s New Year Honours. This award recognizes his inestimable contribution to higher education, particularly in championing inclusion. Throughout his distinguished career, Professor Canagarajah has shown an unwavering commitment to education as a force for improving lives and creating a fairer society. As the first minority ethnic Vice-Chancellor at the University of Leicester, he has used his influence to give voice to those who are often overlooked and under-represented, and has taken actions to overcome barriers and create opportunities for others.
Professor Canagarajah’s Achievements
Professor Canagarajah has led one of the most diverse universities in the country, with 38% of students from the most disadvantaged areas and 69% from minority ethnic backgrounds. He established the first IntoUniversity centre in Leicester, securing significant philanthropic funding, and supporting 1,000 disadvantaged young people. He also secured the University’s first female Chancellor, Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock PhD, and created an inclusive team with two female Deputy Vice-Chancellors. Additionally, Professor Canagarajah established a Civic Universities Partnership, securing over £3m for local community projects, and supported refugees and academics from Ukraine and Palestine as a leader of a University of Sanctuary.
University of Leicester’s Progress Under Professor Canagarajah’s Leadership
The University of Leicester has made significant progress under Professor Canagarajah’s leadership, receiving three University of the Year accolades, achieving Teaching Excellence Framework Gold, and ranking top 30 in the Research Excellence Framework. He has taken on national roles, including Chair of UCEA, and has been a powerful voice for social change, tackling racial discrimination and increasing diversity. The University was also granted Freedom of the Borough by Oadby and Wigston Council in recognition of its impact, as well as a Gold Award in the Armed Forces Covenant for support of armed forces communities.
International Partnerships and Recognition
Professor Canagarajah has been a trailblazer for Leicester, championing new partnerships based on mutual benefits for partners and their localities. This led to him being invited to join the largest-ever government trade mission to India, led by the Prime Minister. Partnerships have also been forged in Thailand, China, Malaysia, Vietnam, the USA, and Canada. He has overseen a new key partnership with the Apollo Hospitals Group in India, further solidifying the University’s international reputation.
Reaction to the Honour
Professor Canagarajah said, "This honour is a recognition of the efforts of so many others who have contributed to my success. I also hope it will serve as an inspiration for others. As a boy from a once war-torn land to being recognised by royalty is quite a remarkable journey. It is because of the transformative power of education and the opportunities it presents that this has been possible. That is why I remain committed to removing barriers for others so that they too can fulfil their true potential." Former Chair of Council, Gary Dixon, and current Chair of Council, Neil Goulden, also praised Professor Canagarajah’s achievements and commitment to the University.
About Professor Canagarajah
Professor Nishan Canagarajah was born and educated in Sri Lanka, before moving to the UK where he received his BA (Hons) and PhD degrees from the University of Cambridge. He joined the University of Bristol as a research assistant and worked in various academic roles, serving as the Faculty of Engineering Research Director, Head of Department of Computer Science, and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering. He became Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise in August 2014 and is internationally recognized for his research on signal processing and texture classification.
Other Recognitions
Former Chief Constable of Leicestershire and Leicester alumnus, Rob Nixon, was also recognized in the King’s New Year Honours, with a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). Mr Nixon graduated with a Masters in Criminology in 2004 and has been a notable figure in the community. The University of Leicester continues to produce exceptional leaders and individuals who make a positive impact in the world.