A Scots acting legend and a new media artist among Honorary Graduates for 2025 Summer Graduation

Brian Cox CBE and Radek Rudnicki to receive honorary degrees Abertay graduation

A world-renowned Scottish actor and a pioneering sound artist will be awarded Honorary Degrees at Abertay University's summer graduation ceremony later this month.

Dundee-born Hollywood star Brian Cox CBE will be recognised for his contribution to the performing arts over the last 50 years, while Radek Rudnicki will be honoured for his innovative work in new media and spatial sound.

The ceremony will take place on Friday 11 July at Caird Hall in Dundee, where over 400 graduates from Abertay’s academic schools will gather to celebrate the culmination of their studies.

^{Photo credit: Jakub Hader}

Graduates from Abertay’s academic faculties – the Faculty of Design and Informatics and Business, the Faculty of Social and Applied Sciences, and the Graduate School – will be joined by friends, family, and members of the University leadership team, including Chancellor Professor Alice Brown and Vice-Chancellor Professor Liz Bacon, for a memorable day of celebration.

Professor Liz Bacon, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, said:

Graduation is one of the most memorable days in the university calendar, and this summer we’re thrilled to celebrate not only our talented students but also two outstanding individuals whose careers represent the very best of creativity, innovation and dedication. We’re delighted to welcome Brian Cox and Radek Rudnicki to the Abertay community and to honour their extraordinary achievements.

Brian Cox began his acting career in 1961 at Dundee Repertory Theatre, going on to become a founding member of the Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh. With a stage and screen career spanning more than six decades, his breakthrough Hollywood role came in 1986’s Manhunter and has since appeared in films such as Braveheart, Adaptation, The Bourne Identity, Troy, 25th Hour and X2: X-Men United, an iconic portrayal of the much-loved Dundee comedy character Bob Servant, and most recently in the award-winning HBO drama Succession. He has received two BAFTAs, an Emmy, and a Golden Globe, and remains deeply connected to his theatrical roots, including a forthcoming return to the Dundee Rep stage in Make It Happen.

Radek Rudnicki is a new media artist, composer, and sound designer whose work blends spatial audio and immersive storytelling. Currently the lead sound designer for the Precyzja Foundation and director of Wave Folder Records, Radek’s digital studio develops cutting-edge experiences showcased around the world. His career includes collaborations with NASA’s Goddard Institute and the Stockholm Environment Institute, and partnerships with hardware synthesizer manufacturers like Waldorf, Elektron and Cwejman. His accolades include the Emerging Excellence Award, the Provost Award for World-Class Excellence in Research.

For more information on attending Graduation visit the Abertay University website.