The University of London is embarking on an ambitious journey to shape the future of education, research and collaboration. Our plans will build on our original vision of a global university with a strong local presence and transform our iconic Senate House Library into a world-leading beacon for discovery, creativity and collaboration. 

We will create next-generation spaces and services while strengthening the University of London’s civic and metropolitan role by reinforcing our public mission.  

And this year, we are celebrating Honorary Graduate and donor Victoria Brignell, whose generosity will enable us to open the Library’s collections to more students, academics and curious minds.  

Victoria was awarded an honorary degree in 2025 in recognition of her work in broadcasting, as well as her pioneering efforts campaigning with disabled people to increase equity and access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities.  

Victoria was Chair of Action on Disability between 2016 and 2023 and has worked with Magpie Dance, Hammersmith and Fulham Disabled People's Commission and Amnesty International. Alongside her role as a producer for the BBC, Victoria is a co-opted member of Hammersmith and Fulham Council’s Health, Inclusion and Social Care Policy and Accountability Committee.  

By focusing on the human within the humanities, Victoria believes we can build a better future; “We live in a culture which values and promotes independence, but what we should be celebrating is our interdependence. It's our interdependence that makes us human.” 

We talked to Victoria about what Senate House Library means to her.   

How would you articulate the impact of places like Senate House Library?  

All libraries are important, but Senate House Library (SHL) is particularly special. It’s a huge and extraordinary storehouse of ideas, information and literature. I wanted to play a small part in ensuring that it flourishes into the future.  

When I visited the Library, I found it an incredibly welcoming and beautiful place. And as a disability rights campaigner, I’m impressed with the efforts it’s making to be inclusive. One example is the recent ‘Spineless Wonders’ exhibition about works without a spine. I was interested to see that the items on display included disability rights movement pamphlets.   

How did it feel to receive an honorary degree from the University of London earlier this year?  

It was a real honour to receive the honorary doctorate. When the letter arrived, I was stunned. I thought there had been a mistake! Libraries, like SHL, are a fundamental part of our education system. And education is crucial not just for an individual’s development but also for the cohesion of society as a whole.  

Education broadens our horizons and enables us to see the world through other people’s eyes. We need to hear the stories of people who do not normally have a voice. Two of the most prominent political issues currently are housing and immigration. We hear a large amount from politicians, but we rarely hear from homeless people and asylum seekers themselves.  

Why would you encourage someone to support the work of University of London, especially the development of Senate House Library?  

I would encourage people to support the Library’s development as, by doing so, they will be creating a legacy which will benefit students today and for generations to come. I’m pleased that the Library’s transformation project will increase the digital accessibility of its collections, making it more available to researchers worldwide.  

In an increasingly divided and polarised world, studying humanities is more vital than ever. If we are to solve the problems the world faces, we need to understand our societies, our cultures, and our histories better. We cannot do this without the humanities.

Header image: Victoria Brignell at the School of Advanced Study Graduation, where she was awarded an honorary degree.