Queen's professor elected Fellow of the British Academy

Leading historian Sean Connolly is one of 42 distinguished UK academics to have their contribution to research in the humanities and social sciences recognised.

The professor of Irish history, who is originally from Dublin, has been at Queen’s since 1996.

Prof Connolly’s research focuses on the often dramatic changes that have taken place in Irish culture, politics and social life during the past four hundred years.

Welcoming the announcement, the university’s president and vice-chancellor, Prof Patrick Johnston, said: “Queen’s is recognised for its world-leading research in the humanities and social sciences which is addressing major societal challenges. I wish to congratulate Professor Connolly on his election as a Fellow of the British Academy – it is testament to the impact and significance of his research.”

The British Academy is a fellowship of around 1,300 leading national and international academics. Election is widely recognised as a mark of distinction, with only a very small number of scholars in any field elected.

Prof Adrienne Scullion, pro-vice-chancellor for the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, also paid tribute to the distinguished historian.

She said: “History – and in particular the study of Irish history – is an area of huge strength at Queen’s and we are proud of the work achieved by all our colleagues working in this field. We are delighted to celebrate Prof Connolly’s work, his leadership in the field and his ongoing inspiration as a colleague at Queen’s.”