Regius professor

Regius Professorships are a distinctive type of academic appointment within certain universities of the United Kingdom and Ireland. These professorships are traditionally endowed by a royal patron, historically by the monarch of the country. The term "Regius" comes from the Latin word for "royal", reflecting the royal patronage of these positions. Regius Professorships are among the oldest and most prestigious academic posts, covering a wide range of disciplines from medicine and law to literature and the sciences.

History

The first Regius Professorship was established in 1497 by King James IV of Scotland at the University of Aberdeen, with the creation of the Regius Chair of Medicine. The tradition was expanded by Henry VIII of England in 1540, who founded Regius Professorships in medicine, civil law, Hebrew, and Greek at both Oxford and Cambridge Universities, as part of his program to promote the study of the Bible and the Reformation.

Over the centuries, various monarchs have established additional Regius Professorships at different universities across the UK and Ireland. These positions are often seen as a mark of distinction for the institutions that host them and are highly coveted by academics.

Characteristics

Regius Professors are appointed by the monarch on the advice of the government. The appointments are usually for life, though in recent years, there has been a move towards fixed-term appointments in line with broader changes in academic employment practices. The role of a Regius Professor can vary significantly depending on the discipline and the university. Typically, it involves a combination of teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities. Regius Professors are expected to be leaders in their field, contributing to the academic prestige of their institution.

Notable Regius Professorships

Some of the most well-known Regius Professorships include:

• Regius Professor of Divinity at Oxford and Cambridge
• Regius Professor of Law at Cambridge
• Regius Professor of Medicine at Oxford, Cambridge, and other institutions
• Regius Professor of History at Oxford and Cambridge
• Regius Professor of Physics at Oxford

Recent Developments

In recent years, new Regius Professorships have been created to mark significant anniversaries and events. For example, in 2013, to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II, twelve new Regius Professorships were announced in subjects including engineering, computer science, and psychiatry. This was seen as a modern revitalization of the tradition, highlighting the ongoing relevance of royal patronage in the academic world.

Conclusion

Regius Professorships represent a unique intersection of academia and royal tradition. They highlight the historical and ongoing contributions of the monarchy to higher education in the UK and Ireland. For scholars, being appointed to a Regius Professorship is a significant honor, recognizing their contributions to their field and their role in advancing the academic standing of their institution.