Francis Nyamnjoh, professor of social anthropology at the University of Cape Town (UCT), has been elected as a Fellow of the British Academy. This prestigious honour underscores UCT’s commitment to academic excellence and cements its position as Africa’s leading research-intensive university.
In this year’s selection, the British Academy elected 52 Fellows from 21 United Kingdom universities and 30 International Fellows from institutions worldwide, including the United States of America, Canada, South Africa, Japan, China, Australia, Taiwan, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, and Israel. Four Honorary Fellows were elected from the worlds of art, literature, journalism, and filmmaking. These new Fellows, many of whom have been supported by the academy throughout their careers, represent a diverse range of specialisms across the humanities and social sciences.
Professor Nyamnjoh, a B1-rated researcher, joins a prestigious community of over 1 700 distinguished academics. His election as a Fellow is a testament to his significant contributions to the fields of African studies and social anthropology. His research delves into media and communication, mobility, identity, citizenship, and the politics of belonging, focusing uniquely on the theoretical lenses of incompleteness and conviviality.
Responding to the honour, Nyamnjoh said: “The election as an International Fellow of the British Academy is a great honour, both personally and for UCT, the institution that has nurtured my scholarly pursuits. This prestigious recognition, described by the academy as “the highest honour… in recognition of scholarly distinction in the humanities and social sciences,” is deeply humbling.”
He described it as a privilege to contribute to UCT’s mission of establishing itself as a leading research-intensive university in Africa and globally. “This election serves as a testament to the international recognition and celebration of my scholarship,” he added.
The President of the British Academy Professor Julia Black welcomed the new Fellows. “We are delighted to welcome this year’s cohort of Fellows, and I offer my warmest congratulations to each and every one. Since the academy was created in 1902, our Fellows have been the lifeblood of the organisation, representing the very best of our disciplines – and we would not have the impact we have without their expertise, time, and energy. I very much look forward to working closely with our new Fellows; the breadth and depth of their expertise adds so much to the academy.”
As an International Fellow, Nyamnjoh said he is eager to collaborate with the British Academy to foster research partnerships with British institutions. “These collaborations will benefit UCT, South Africa, and the broader African continent, advancing our collective understanding of the complex issues facing our societies,” he concluded.
This honour highlights Professor Nyamnjoh’s exceptional scholarly contributions and reinforces UCT’s standing as a premier institution dedicated to advancing knowledge and research. The university continues to set benchmarks for academic excellence in Africa and beyond, driving impactful research that addresses global challenges.
ENDS
Issued by: UCT Communication and Marketing Department
2024_07_18_FellowoftheBritishAcademy.pdf (uct.ac.za)
Velisile Bukula
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