A public health, HIV prevention and Black community advocate has been an awarded honorary degree from Middlesex University .
Marc Thompson, who was diagnosed with HIV aged 17 in 1986, has dedicated more than three decades to tackling health inequalities and supporting marginalised communities most affected/impacted by HIV.
He received an honorary degree from Middlesex University during its 2026 Graduation Week at a special ceremony on 24 June 2026.
As Lead Commissioner for the London HIV Prevention Programme, which is hosted by the London Borough of Lambeth and funded by all 32 local boroughs in the capital, he has shaped city-wide strategies prioritising equity, access, and culturally competent care.
He has also ensured resources are directed to communities most affected by HIV, particularly Black Londoners and other underserved groups.
Marc, who lives in Brixton, is also a co-founder of influential grassroots initiatives, including PrEPster and The Love Tank, which have been pivotal in raising awareness, improving access to prevention tools, and fostering community-led support.
In addition to his policy and community work, he is also an award-winning podcaster and cultural archivist. His work has documented and amplified the experiences of Black and LGBTQ+ communities, contributing to a more inclusive understanding of the history of HIV in the UK.
On being awarded his honorary degree, Marc said:
“Receiving this honorary degree is profoundly meaningful. I grew up as the child of Windrush generation parents who believed deeply in education and hoped I would be the first in our family to go to university.
“Life took a very different turn when I was diagnosed with HIV at 17, and the future they imagined for me suddenly felt out of reach. So, to be recognised now, decades later, for work rooted in community, care, and justice feels both full‑circle and quietly radical.
Reflecting on his career journey and how community work has impacted his personal and professional life, he said:
“It honours not only my journey, but the resilience of the communities that shaped me — Black gay men, people living with HIV, activists, and cultural workers who refused to be erased.
“This degree is a reminder that there are many ways to learn, to lead, and to contribute, even when the path isn’t the one you expected.”
He also discussed his ongoing connection with Middlesex and how his experience has informed his community focussed work, he said:
“Middlesex University has always stood out to me as an institution that values real‑world impact — the kind of learning that moves beyond the classroom and into communities, public health, and social change.
“Over the years, I’ve crossed paths with Middlesex graduates and staff through HIV prevention, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and community projects, and I’ve always admired the University’s commitment to inclusion, equity, and social justice.
Being recognised by a place that shares those values feels especially meaningful.”
Marc also had some words of advice for those graduating, he said:
“Your degree is an achievement to be proud of, but it’s only one part of who you are.
The world you’re stepping into needs people who can think critically, act compassionately, and challenge injustice with courage and imagination.”
Commenting on the Awards, Middlesex University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Shân Wareing said:
“We’re delighted that these distinguished individuals have accepted Middlesex University’s recognition of their inspiring contributions in their respective fields and communities across the creative arts, law and business, disability awareness, diversity and inclusion, patient advocacy, mental health, education, charity work and more.”
As well as awarding honorary degrees, every year, the University awards Middlesex Medals to individuals for their outstanding contributions to the community and the University’s values.
