Professor Nishan Canagarajah, the President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester, has been awarded a knighthood in the 2026 King’s New Year Honours. The prestigious accolade recognises his profound and lasting contribution to higher education, with a particular focus on advancing inclusion and equity.
A Career Defined by Inclusion and Social Change
Throughout a distinguished career, Professor Canagarajah has demonstrated an unwavering belief in education as a powerful catalyst for improving lives and building a fairer society. As the first minority ethnic Vice-Chancellor at the University of Leicester, located in the UK's first plural city, he has consistently used his platform to amplify underrepresented voices.
Under his leadership, the University of Leicester has become one of the country's most diverse institutions. 38% of its students come from the most disadvantaged areas, and 69% are from minority ethnic backgrounds. His commitment extends beyond statistics, driving tangible initiatives that break down barriers.
He established Leicester's first IntoUniversity centre, securing major philanthropic funding to support over 1,000 disadvantaged young people. He also appointed the University's first female Chancellor, Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, and built an inclusive senior team featuring two female Deputy Vice-Chancellors.
Local Impact and National Influence
Professor Canagarajah's vision has firmly rooted the university within its community. He founded a Civic Universities Partnership that secured more than £3 million for local projects. His leadership in making Leicester a University of Sanctuary has provided critical support for refugees and academics from conflict zones, including Ukraine and Palestine.
This community focus was formally recognised when the University was granted the Freedom of the Borough by Oadby and Wigston Council and received a Gold Award in the Armed Forces Covenant.
Nationally, his expertise has shaped the sector. He served as the 2025 Chair of UCEA, is the former Chair of The Conversation, and was a board member of Universities UK. He has also held prominent roles in national efforts to tackle racial discrimination and increase diversity.
International Recognition and a Transformative Legacy
Internationally, Professor Canagarajah has been a trailblazer for the university, forging mutually beneficial partnerships across the globe. His work led to an invitation to join the largest-ever UK government trade mission to India, led by the Prime Minister. Key partnerships have been established in countries including Thailand, China, Malaysia, Vietnam, the USA, and Canada, alongside a significant new collaboration with the Apollo Hospitals Group in India.
The success of his tenure is reflected in the university's accolades: it has received three University of the Year awards, achieved a Teaching Excellence Framework Gold rating, and ranked in the top 30 in the Research Excellence Framework.
Reflecting on the honour, Professor Canagarajah said: "This honour is a recognition of the efforts of so many others... As a boy from a once war-torn land to being recognised by royalty is quite a remarkable journey. It is because of the transformative power of education... That is why I remain committed to removing barriers for others."
University Chancellor, Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, praised his leadership: "In the make-up of the leadership of the university, people can literally see the difference. Change is real – the University is minority-led, and I am the first female and first Chancellor from a minority background in the University’s history... All of this is not by chance. It is born out of purposeful leadership."
Professor Nishan Canagarajah's knighthood stands as a testament to a leader who has redefined the role of a modern university, proving that excellence and inclusion are not just compatible, but inseparable.
