Classics

Douglas Cairns elected to Royal Society of Edinburgh

The School of History, Classics and Archaeology was very happy to hear that Professor Douglas Cairns has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE). (Published 8 March, 2018)

Professor Douglas Cairns

As part of a cohort of sixty-six new Fellows, the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) recently announced the election of Professor Douglas Cairns.

The RSE is Scotland’s National Academy and contributes to the social, cultural and economic wellbeing of Scotland through the advancement of learning and useful knowledge. It is unusual amongst National Academies for its multi-disciplinary make-up, and continues to strengthen its Fellowship by appointing leading professionals from within the arts, business and public sector. Among this year's Honorary Fellows are former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, leading Scottish playwright Zinnie Harris and composer and Master of the Queen’s Music Judith Weir.

Professor Cairns said, ‘It’s a long way from schooldays in Shettleston to Fellowship of the RSE, and I’m absolutely delighted. It means a great deal to me, as a Scot, to be considered worthy of membership of our national academy and I look forward very much to playing a role in the Society.’

Professor Cairns graduated with MA (Hons) in Classics from University of Glasgow, receiving his PhD in Greek there in 1987. He took up the Chair of Classics at Edinburgh in 2004, serving as Head of Classics (2004-5) and Head of School (2005-8). He is Principal Investigator in the 'Honour in Classics Greece' Project.

Professor Douglas Cairns staff profile

Douglas Cairns wins Anneliese Maier Research Award

€1.9 million award to support ‘Honour in Classical Greece’ project