Prof. Nishan Canagarajah knighted

University of Leicester’s President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Nishan Canagarajah has been knighted in the 2026 King’s New Year Honours.

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Prof Nishan Canagarajah

The award recognises Professor Canagarajah’s inestimable contribution to higher education, particularly in championing inclusion, said the University of Leicester.

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, in the first plural city in the UK, he has used his influence to give voice to those who are so often overlooked and underrepresented and has taken actions to overcome barriers and create opportunities for others.

He has led one of the most diverse universities in the country - 38% of students are from the most disadvantaged areas and 69% from minority ethnic backgrounds.

Professor Canagarajah established the first IntoUniversity centre in Leicester, securing significant philanthropic funding, and supporting 1,000 disadvantaged young people. He secured the University's first female Chancellor - Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock PhD - and created an inclusive team with two female Deputy Vice-Chancellors.