The former Chair of UK Sport, who is widely credited with being largely responsible for the UK's success at the London 2012 Olympics, is being honoured today by Queen's University, Belfast.

Baroness Sue Campbell CBE will receive an Honorary Doctorate for exceptional services to sport.

Gary Jebb, Director of Estates at Queen’s, will deliver the citation for Baroness Campbell.

He said: "As Chair of the Youth Sport Trust, Baroness Campbell’s mission is to create a brighter future for young people through physical education and sport. This reflects Queen’s own vision and led us to develop the world-class facilities now enjoyed by our students. Baroness Campbell is an inspirational leader and motivator and a champion of sport at all levels. She is a shining example to all our students, on and off the sportsfield, and we are delighted to honour her at Queen’s today."

Baroness Campbell will be joined by leading chemist Professor Jim Swindall CBE, who will receive an Honorary Degree for exceptional services to science.

Professor Swindall's work on ionic liquids was recently voted the Most Important British Innovation of the 21st Century.

The technology is already being used commercially to remove mercury from natural gas by Fortune 500 company Petronas in Malaysia.

Speaking about his honour Professor Swindall said: "Queen’s links with industry and international research collaborations have a very real impact on the research we do here at the University. I regard the award of an Honorary Degree by Queen’s as the greatest honour the University could bestow upon me and I am delighted to accept."

Also being honoured are international scientists Dr Wejdan Abu-Elhaija and Professor Avadhesha Surolia.

(IT/CD)