Five distinguished researchers from the University of Exeter have been elected as Fellows of the British Academy, one of the highest academic honors awarded in the United Kingdom for excellence in the humanities and social sciences.
The announcement recognizes the scholars’ outstanding contributions to research across history, theology, geography, climate science, and Arabic and Islamic studies.
Five Exeter Academics Receive British Academy Fellowships
The newly elected Fellows are:
- Professor Jane Whittle
- Professor Mark Jackson
- Professor Morwenna Ludlow
- Professor Neil Adger
- Professor Rob Gleave
Their election forms part of the 2026 cohort of 58 new UK Fellows recognized by the British Academy.
What Is the British Academy Fellowship?
The Fellowship is the highest distinction awarded by the British Academy to UK-based scholars for exceptional achievement in the humanities and social sciences.
Founded in 1902, the British Academy supports national and international research while promoting the value of humanities and social science disciplines through public engagement and academic collaboration.
Current Fellows include many of the world’s most respected historians, philosophers, writers, and social scientists.
Research Areas Recognized
Professor Morwenna Ludlow
Professor Ludlow specializes in the history of Christian thought, focusing particularly on early Christianity and theology.
Her research explores:
- Early Christian theology
- Historical religious texts
- Human communication and ethics
- Theology and public discourse
She currently leads research examining how communication can promote respect, justice, and responsible public dialogue.
Professor Rob Gleave
Professor Gleave is internationally recognized for his work in:
- Islamic law
- Shiite legal theory
- Arabic studies
- Legal hermeneutics
Since joining the University of Exeter in 2005, he has led multiple internationally funded research projects and published widely on Islamic legal traditions.
Professor Neil Adger
Professor Adger is a leading environmental geographer whose research focuses on:
- Climate change
- Environmental geography
- Ecological economics
- Sustainability
- Global environmental change
His work has earned international recognition, including major awards for contributions to climate science.
Professor Jane Whittle
Professor Whittle’s research examines:
- Economic history
- Labour history
- Household economies
- Women’s work
- Material culture
- Early modern England
Her European Research Council-funded project investigated the everyday working lives of ordinary people, including women and children.
Professor Mark Jackson
Originally trained as a medical doctor, Professor Jackson is known for research into:
- History of medicine
- Public health
- Medical science
- Crime and justice
- Stress
- Allergic diseases
- Social history
Throughout his academic career, he has secured significant research funding supporting interdisciplinary health and historical studies.
Strengthening Humanities and Social Sciences
The newly elected Fellows highlighted the importance of continuing to promote humanities and social science research at a time when these disciplines face growing global challenges.
The Fellowship provides opportunities to contribute to national and international academic collaboration while advancing public understanding of research that shapes society.
About the British Academy
The British Academy consists of more than 1,800 leading scholars from the United Kingdom and around the world.
Its work includes:
- Funding research
- Supporting international collaboration
- Promoting humanities and social sciences
- Public engagement
- Academic policy leadership
Election to the Fellowship recognizes a lifetime of scholarly excellence and significant contributions to knowledge.
Final Thoughts
The election of five University of Exeter researchers as Fellows of the British Academy highlights the university’s strength across multiple disciplines, from climate science and theology to history and Islamic studies. Their work continues to influence global scholarship while advancing understanding of society, culture, history, and the environment.
SEO Keywords: Exeter scholars British Academy Fellowship, University of Exeter British Academy Fellows 2026, British Academy Fellowship 2026, Professor Jane Whittle, Professor Mark Jackson, Professor Morwenna Ludlow, Professor Neil Adger, Professor Rob Gleave, British Academy research awards, humanities research UK, social sciences fellowship, University of Exeter news
WhatsApp Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/IUYDUNb8GCx4V2QqkBoiuq?mode=ems_copy_t
WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb60pjHL2ATw5rPOEw2l
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578302620679
