Six Professorial Titles Awarded to BGU Academics

Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) has announced six new professorial titles to be conferred upon members of its academic staff. Among these titles are two Associate Professors and four Professors spanning various disciplines.

Professorial titles are awarded to recognise individuals who have demonstrated outstanding expertise, acknowledging the recipient's impact on research, teaching, and the broader academic community.

The recipients and their respective titles are as follows:

• Dr Clare Lawrence – Formerly holding the position of Senior Lecturer - Secondary, Dr Lawrence's title is now Associate Professor of Participatory Autism Research/Senior Lecturer - Secondary.

• Dr Derwin Gregory – Previously Programme Leader - Archaeology and Heritage, Dr Gregory now assumes the role of Associate Professor of Conflict Archaeology/Programme Leader - Archaeology and Heritage.

• Dr Andrew Jackson – Formerly recognised as Head of Research/Associate Professor in Local, Regional and Public History, Dr Jackson now holds the title of Professor - Local, Regional, and Landscape History/Head of Research.

• Dr Claudia Capancioni– Previously Reader - English Literature/Programme Leader - English, Dr Capancioni is now Professor of English Literature/ Programme Leader - English.

• Dr Caroline Horton – Formerly Reader - Psychology, Dr Horton's title is now Professor of Sleep and Cognition.

• Dr Jack Cunningham – Previously titled Associate Professor in Ecclesiastical History/Programme Leader Theology, Dr Cunningham now assumes the role of Professor of Ecclesiastical History/Programme Leader Theology.

Reflecting, Professor Jack Cunningham said: "This Professorship in Ecclesiastical History is a great honour and the pinnacle of my academic career that has stretched over twenty years. It was earned through days of study in cold cathedral libraries in the winter, suffocating Vatican archives in the summer, and long nights in book collections all over the world.

"BGU's fantastic support and encouragement along the way has made that journey not only possible but highly enjoyable."

This milestone signifies the establishment of a professoriate at BGU for the first time, aimed at enhancing the research culture and environment, fostering academic leadership, and providing a supportive structure for career development within the university community. The creation of the professoriate aligns with BGU's overarching goals of promoting interdisciplinary research, and elevating research priorities within the institution.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Karen Stanton said: "We are thrilled to announce these well-deserved professorial titles, which mark a significant achievement for our university and the academic community. This recognition not only highlights the exceptional expertise and dedication of our staff but also underscores our commitment to fostering a vibrant research culture at BGU.

"These appointments will undoubtedly enhance our research environment and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their respective fields."