Honorary Doctorate Award Programme

Pioneer University is proud to award its Honorary Doctorate degree in Homeopathy and Other Complementary Medicines on the 10th April, which also happens to be Dr Hahnemann’s Birthday, of certain years.

What is an Honorary Doctorate Degree?

An honorary degree (Latin: honoris causa ad gradum) is an academic degree awarded to an individual as a decoration, rather than as the result of matriculating and studying for several years. Institutions may and often do award an honorary degree to a recipient who has never attended the institution. Usually, the degree is awarded with great solemnity as a way of honoring a famous or distinguished visitor's worthy contribution to the society.

An honorary degree is a slightly misleading: honoris causa degrees, which means “for the sake of the honour,” are degrees that the university formally awards under the terms of its charter. They are different from “earned” degrees as in those the university decides to waive the usual study, research, residence and examination requirements. While popularly used, honoris causa degrees are often not considered on the same standing as substantive degrees.

Though appropriate to do so, honorary doctorate recipients normally do not adopt the title of "doctor,” even though in most cases it was conferred on the basis on some tangible and meaningful achievement. In many countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and the United States, it is considered incorrect for an honorary doctor to adopt the formal title of "doctor,” regardless of the background circumstances associated with the award.

The honorary degree recipient may postnominally add the degree title, but one should always add "honorary" or "honoris causa" or "h.c." in parentheses after the degree, to make it clear that the degree is honorary. In many countries, one can use the title "doctor" pronominally if he or she holds a honorary doctorate, but it should be abbreviated as Dr. h.c. or Dr. (h.c.). Sometimes, recipients also use "Hon." before the degree letters, for example, Hon. Dr. or H.D.

Who Can Receive the Award?

Researchers, educators, teachers, founders of institutes, exceptional TCAM* practitioners, journalists, editors, media persons, support people of complementary medicines and heads of organizations.

* Traditional, Complementary & Alternative Medicines

Who have been awarded so far?

Pioneer University, so far, has awarded this prestigious degree to 10 distinguished Homeopaths and pioneers in recognition of their sincere dedication to the Homeopathy community. However, the community has played a crucial role in the election of these nominees through an international poll with more than 3000 votes cast (2006), but the final decision is made by an independent Evaluation committee which confers the degree after scrutinizing the resume of each nominee. 

The University congratulates these successful nominees: (Alphabetic)

Evaluation Committee:

Prof. Sir Luildo Marcos De Noronha PhD (Head of Evaluation committee:)

More about Prof. Luildo M. Noronha>

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 Steve Smith BA (Hons) LCH MARH FSDSHom

Steve Smith, Principal of the "South Downs School" of Homoeopathy UK and author of the international bestseller "Medical Homoeopathy"

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  Ardavan Shahrdar M.D., DIHom, Hon. Dr. 

- Owner and Director, Minutus Ferum and website

- Ex-president, Iranian Homeopathy Association (IHA)

- Director, British Institute of Homeopathy, Dubai, UAE, since 2004

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M. Mirafzali M.D.

- Head of R&D Department, Razi Serum & Vaccine Research Institute since 2001

- Founder of Medical Students' research center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences; 1993

- Internationally registered research methodologist

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 K.V. Jhon, DMS, BMS

-Member of Central Council of Homeopathy

- Subcommittee for Homeopathy Drugs Technical Advisory Board (MOH India)

- P.G. Board for Homeopathy, University of Kerala

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  Mr. Mohammad Momtazi  

- First General Secretary of Iranian Yoga Association

- In charge person of research committee of Iranian Yoga Association

- Member of education committee of Iranian Yoga Association

- Teacher & Trainer of Raja Yoga

- Lecturer NIP

- Several other Governmental & Non Governmental position as consultant or adviser

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