Bursary Description
In a remarkable acknowledgment of his contributions to education and academic discourse, Professor Jonathan Jansen, a Distinguished Professor of Education at Stellenbosch University, has been elected as a Fellow of the British Academy. This honour is reserved for only the most distinguished scholars who have significantly impacted the fields of humanities and social sciences. With this election, Jansen becomes part of an elite group of 92 new Fellows, a cohort that represents a diverse array of expertise spanning from the structural roots of poverty to the neuroscience of memory.
The British Academy, established to recognise the UK’s intellectual scholarship in the humanities and social sciences, welcomed this year’s Fellows during a ceremony that signals a profound commitment to advancing knowledge in these critical disciplines. Among the newly elected are trailblazers like Professor Lily Kong, the first female vice-chancellor of a university in Singapore, signifying the global outreach and inclusivity of this prestigious fellowship.
Reflecting on this honour, Jansen said, “There is no greater honour for a scholar than to be elected to a prestigious fellowship because your peers believe that you have something to say. I am especially thrilled that in the process, curriculum theory from the Global South would also enjoy such wonderful recognition.”
This sentiment matches the British Academy’s vision to champion interdisciplinary research that tackles key challenges facing humanity today. The Academy’s President, Professor Susan J. Smith, applauded this year’s cohort for their innovative thinking and commitment to addressing pressing societal issues. “It is a privilege to extend my warmest congratulations to them all,”she said.
The selection of fellows this year reflects an increase in interdisciplinary representation, with 58 new UK Fellows and 30 International Fellows chosen from prestigious institutions across the globe, including South Africa, the United States, and Europe. This diverse array serves to enhance the Academy’s mission of fostering excellence in its fields.
As the British Academy continues to uphold rigorous academic standards, the inclusion of scholars like Jansen not only demonstrates recognition of their scholarly achievements but also serves to elevate the profile of South African academia on the international stage. With over 1,800 current Fellows, the British Academy embodies a rich history of intellectual achievement, featuring many renowned figures, including classicist Dame Mary Beard and historian Professor Rana Mitter.
Jansen’s commitment to curriculum theory, particularly from a global perspective, resonates with the necessity of integrating diverse voices into educational conversations, advocating for a more inclusive approach to education that can address global challenges.
As the world grapples with multifaceted issues—from economic instability to social injustice—the insights from these newly honored scholars will undoubtedly contribute to shaping resilient and equitable futures.