Jeremy Clarkson

Doctor of Engineering (HonDEng)

Year conferred: 2005

During his career, Jeremy Clarkson has been described in many ways, notably in the House of Commons, in 1979, where the Transport Minister called him Mr Vroom Vroom himself. The FT called him a rightwing humorist as he had described the pleasures of driving in bus lanes – well, no-one else uses them. Other people are less easily deceived, recognising that beyond the self-parody there lurks a first-rate broadcaster and serious critic.

Like all good critics he is passionate about his subject, the world of cars, or 'cardom', as he calls it. He has an eye for detail and is fanatical about proper research. He is inspired by excellence and enjoys exposing the idiosyncrasies of the motoring public.

He has been in journalism almost without a break since 1978 when he joined the Rotherham Advertiser. He's now on our screens as the presenter of a rejuvenated Top Gear, writes weekly articles for The Sunday Times and contributes to Top Gear Magazine on a regular basis. Following the success of his own show Clarkson and his classic appearances as part of the new wave of Grumpy Old Men, he researched, wrote and presented a documentary on Isambard Kingdom Brunel as part of the BBC's Greatest Briton series.