Finnish university honours chemistry prof

Professor of Chemistry Tristram Chivers will receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Oulu, Finland, in May.

The unique ceremony, which takes place every five years, spans three days and starts with a sword-whetting ceremony on the first evening during which doctors whet their swords on a grindstone dampened with champagne.

The sword is a symbol for the scientist’s fight for what he or she, in rigorous research, has been found to be good, right and true. Doctors are also required to wear a black hat, which is a symbol of liberty, scholarship and freedom of research. The hat is round because the wearer is supposed to answer questions clearly and naturally and not to split hairs.

After the conferment of degrees there is a procession through the town of Oulu to the cathedral for the conferment service, which is followed by a dinner and banquet.