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What is a Regius Professor?

A Regius Professor is a University professor with royal patronage. Appointed by the Monarch on ministerial advice, a Regius professorship is a rare privilege and one of the highest possible academic accolades. 

Founded by King James IV, the tradition dates back to 1497. Since then, this rare award is typically bestowed upon Universities in disciplines judged to be elemental and for which there is a continuing and meaningful need.

In 2013, the late Queen Elizabeth II awarded 12 new Regius Professorships ºÚÁÏÍø her Diamond Jubilee. The ºÚÁÏÍø was appointed the UK’s first ever Regius Professor of Political Science.

Who is the Regius Professor in Political Science?

Professor Kristian Skrede Gleditsch from the Department of Government is the current Regius Professor in Political Science at the ºÚÁÏÍø.  Kristian is an internationally renowned figure in the study of conflict resolution, democratisation and political change.

Previously, Professor David Sanders held the Regius Professorship between 2013 and 2017. David is an internationally-renowned expert on British politics.

All previous Regius lectures at the ºÚÁÏÍø

2025 - Professor Kristian Gleditcsch, ºÚÁÏÍø - Demographic change and the politics of a world with low fertility and ageing populations

2024 - Professor Kristian Gleditcsch, ºÚÁÏÍø - Collaboration and cohesion in war: Lessons from the 1940 Norwegian gold run

2024 - Professor Kristian Gleditsch, ºÚÁÏÍø - How can a strong research environment foster better research?

2023 - Professor Kristian Gleditsch, ºÚÁÏÍø - A looming crisis in academic publishing?

2022 - Professor Kristian Gleditsch, ºÚÁÏÍø - One without the other? Prediction and policy in international studies

2021 - , University of Colorado - Following the Science? The use of science advice in policy

2020 - Professor Kristian Gleditsch, ºÚÁÏÍø - Is democracy in decline?

2019 - Professor Kristian Gleditsch, ºÚÁÏÍø - Inaugural lecture: An ever more violent world

2018 - , Ohio State University - The importance of studying difference and change in the social sciences

2017 - , Princeton University - The politics of globalization: The world economy and domestic politics

2015 - , Harvard University  - Reverse-engineering censorship in china

2014 - Professor David Sanders, ºÚÁÏÍø - Britain's attitude towards Europe and the European Union (EU) since 1945