Prestigious honour for St Andrews academics

Five “outstanding” academics at St Andrews University have been awarded Fellowships of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE).

The prestigious accolade recognises the advancement of learning and useful knowledge, which is at the centre of public life, across the arts, business, and technology and science sectors.

The recipients are poet and professor of creative writing John Burnside, professor of Iranian history Ali Ansari, professor in physical chemistry Sharon Ashbrook, professor of philosophy Katherine Hawley, and professor of marine mammal biology Peter Tyack.

They are among 56 senior scientists, celebrated writers and eminent academics named as new Fellows.

President of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Professor Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, said: “It is fantastic to welcome such a range of outstanding individuals to the Fellowship.

“Spanning the arts, business, and science and technology sectors, the new Fellows join the RSE which aims to place the advancement of learning and useful knowledge at the centre of public life in Scotland.”