Feryal Clark previously graduated in biomedical science from Kingston University before becoming Enfield North MP and a minister for artificial intelligence

Enfield North MP Feryal Clark in her gown (credit Kingston University)

A local MP has been awarded an honorary degree.

Enfield North MP Feryal Clark, described by Kingston University as “a lifelong champion of education’s power to open doors and transform lives”, was bestowed the award at a ceremony for graduates from the university’s faculty of health, science, social care and education.

It was made in recognition of Clark’s “outstanding contribution to health science, digital and AI innovation”, as well as her support for the university’s ‘Future Skills’ campaign – which is “championing the vital importance of ensuring graduates acquire the human-centric skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world”.

Clark is a Kingston University alumna in biomedical science. For the first year of the Labour government she served as minister for AI and digital government, a post she was appointed to thanks to her early career in science.

After graduating from the university, Clark went on to study bioinformatics at the University of Exeter before spending six years working in pathology services for the NHS. It was there that she saw how “science, technology and public service can work together to positively impact society”.

Clark explained: “I saw how evidence-based approaches save lives. Evidence and innovation help us move beyond good intentions to outcomes we can measure and improve.

“When you bring together technology, innovation and public policy in the right way, you can improve access to services, reduce inequality and help build fairer, healthier communities.

“AI-driven diagnostics can help ensure that people receive the same quality of care and opportunity regardless of where they live. That doesn’t happen by accident, it requires deliberate, evidence-led design and inclusive deployment.”

Clark’s commitment to public service led her into local government, being elected to Hackney Council in 2006. As deputy mayor and cabinet member, she oversaw services including health, social care, leisure and parks, while championing environmental initiatives to improve air quality and reclaim public space for communities.

In December 2019, Clark was elected MP for Enfield North, becoming the first British MP of Kurdish and Turkish heritage. A first-generation immigrant who arrived in the UK at the age of eight, she described how education shaped her personal and professional journey.

“Education was the single most powerful enabler in my life. As a first-generation immigrant, many systems, norms and expectations were unfamiliar to me,” the Labour MP said.

“Studying at Kingston University not only gave me knowledge, but also a sense that I belonged in professional and public spaces. It opened doors to networks and careers and gave me a confidence I wouldn’t otherwise have had.”

Most recently, Clark has been appointed as the UK’s trade envoy to Germany, where she will play a key role in supporting trade and investment opportunities for British businesses.

Clark received her award from Kingston University’s vice-chancellor Professor Steven Spier, who congratulated her on the contributions she has made.

“Feryal is not only an alumna, but also a committed and vocal advocate for our mission,” Prof Spier said. “Her educational journey as a first-generation immigrant is inspirational to many and it was great for our graduates to hear her story first-hand. Through her public service, her advocacy for education and skills, and her continued engagement with the University, Feryal Clark exemplifies the values we seek to promote.”

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