History professors awarded British Academy Fellowship

Two academics from St Andrews School of History have been elected to the British Academy’s Fellowship in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the humanities and social sciences.

Caroline Humfress, FRHistS, FSLS, Professor of Medieval History, and Richard Whatmore, Professor of Modern History, are among 92 distinguished scholars representing a broad spectrum of expertise from universities across the UK, US, Ireland, South Africa, Singapore, China, Australia, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, and Cyprus.

Professor Humfress said: “I am deeply honoured, and elated, to have been elected as a Fellow of the British Academy. This recognition is a reflection of the incredible mentors, colleagues and collaborators whom I have had the privilege of working with throughout my career. ‘Today’s complex challenges can only be resolved by deepening our insight into people, cultures and societies’ – I look forward to advancing the British Academy’s mission alongside such distinguished peers.”

Professor Whatmore said: “I’m deeply honoured to have been elected to the British Academy. Although only individuals can be considered, the immediate response is to recall how many people, above all close family members but also colleagues and collaborators old and new, over so many years, have made the election possible. I’m pleased too that the fields of the history of political thought and intellectual history, and the work of the St Andrews Institute of Intellectual History, are being recognised.”

The British Academy invests in researchers and projects across the UK and overseas, bringing together scholars, government, business and civil society to influence policy for the benefit of everyone.

This year’s cohort sees an increased number of UK Fellows elected, due to new Fellowship places for candidates whose research spans more than one discipline. They join a community of over 1,800 scholars who share a commitment to advancing the humanities and social sciences.

Professor Susan J. Smith PBA, new President of the British Academy, said: “One of my first acts as the incoming President of the British Academy is to welcome this year’s newly elected Fellows. What a line-up! With specialisms ranging from the neuroscience of memory to the power of music and the structural causes of poverty, they represent the very best of the humanities and social sciences. They bring years of experience, evidence-based arguments and innovative thinking to the profound challenges of our age: managing the economy, enabling democracy, and securing the quality of human life.

“Champions of research excellence, every new Fellow enlarges our capacity to interpret the past, understand the present, and shape resilient, sustainable futures. It is a privilege to extend my warmest congratulations to them all.”