A leading historian from Queen's University Belfast has been elected a fellow of the British Academy.
Sean Connolly, professor of Irish history, is among the distinguished academics from Britain and Northern Ireland to be elected in recognition of their outstanding contribution to research in the humanities and social sciences.
Professor Connolly, who is originally from Dublin, has been at Queen's since 1996. His research is concerned with the often dramatic changes that have taken place in Irish culture, politics and social life over the past 400 years.
In 2007/8, he summarised 30 years of research in two volumes, Contested island: Ireland 1460-1630 and Divided Kingdom: Ireland 1630-1800, published as part of the Oxford History of Early Modern Europe.
The British Academy is a fellowship of around 1,300 leading national and international academics. Election is a mark of distinction, as only a very small number of scholars in any field are chosen.
"Election to a British Academy Fellowship is the highest honour anyone working in the humanities in the UK can aspire to," Prof Connolly said.
"And for a historian working at Queen's, it is particularly gratifying to see the value and social importance of their research recognised in this public and authoritative manner."
Queen's vice-chancellor Prof Patrick Johnston said the university was 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."
Prof Adrienne Scullion, pro-vice-chancellor for the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, said the study of Irish history was an area of huge strength at Queen's.
"Prof Connolly's election as a fellow of the British Academy is a mark of his real and international distinction and the respect in which he is held by his peers," she said.
