A professor who was born and raised in Cumbria was 'humbled' after receiving the Freedom of the City of London recently. 

Professor Graham Wren was born in Workington and attended Workington and Whitehaven Technical Colleges. He went on to study mechanical engineering at Newcastle University, before working as a project manager for UKAEA at Sellafield and across the UK.

Last year, he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Cumbria, while he was also named on the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 2019, earning an OBE for his services to education, science and engineering. 

In 2023 Graham was also admitted to the Worshipful Company of Engineers - a livery company in London, supporting the Engineers Trust in its educational, engineering excellence, and charitable objectives and the education and training of young people.

In January, he received Freedom of the City of London and was recently invited to a ceremony at the Chamberlain’s Court at Guildhall, London to receive his award in person. The ceremony is one that dates back to the 13th century.

Graham said: "I am humbled to receive the Freedom of the City of London. London is a city I love and one I'm proud to support. The Worshipful Company of Engineers supports many charities, and I am looking forward to supporting the city and the company in helping charities where I can."

Graham has over 40 years of technology business and science experience working nationally and internationally.

He is currently senior executive and special advisor to the principal at Strathclyde University and is also a professor at the University of Technology in Sydney.

Graham is also a member of the Shipbuilding Enterprise for Growth committee of the UK Government’s National Shipbuilding Office.

Graham is also working with the University of Cumbria to support developments across its engineering and business areas.

Professor Robert Trimble (deputy vice chancellor) said: "The university is delighted that Professor Wren has been recognised by the City of London in this way and we very much look forward to continuing our work with Graham to increase our engineering education and research provision."