Twelve University of Cambridge academics have been elected Fellows of the British Academy, the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences.

They are among 92 scholars recognised this year for outstanding contributions across disciplines ranging from medieval history to international relations. Of this year’s intake, 58 are UK-based, 30 are international, and four have been named Honorary Fellows.

Among the Cambridge cohort are historians Jeremy Adelman and Annabel Brett, from Darwin and Caius respectively, and English scholars Anthony Bale, a medievalist at Girton, and Clare Pettitt of Emmanuel.

Joanna Page at Robinson was recognised for her work on Latin American culture, while Barak Kushner at Corpus was honoured for contributions to East Asian history.

Hasok Chang at Clare Hall was elected for his work in the philosophy of science, alongside archaeologists Marta Mirazón Lahr at Clare and John Robb at Peterhouse, and organisational studies scholar Jennifer Howard-Grenville at Trinity Hall.

Diane Reay at the Faculty of Education was recognised for her research on class and inequality, and Yael Navaro at Newnham for her work on post-conflict societies in Cyprus and Turkey.

The new president of the British Academy, Professor Susan J. Smith, stated: “What a line-up! With specialisms ranging from the neuroscience of memory to the power of music and the structural causes of poverty, they represent the very best of the humanities and social sciences.

“They bring years of experience, evidence-based arguments and innovative thinking to the profound challenges of our age: managing the economy, enabling democracy, and securing the quality of human life… It is a privilege to extend my warmest congratulations to them all,” Smith continued.

Founded in 1902, the British Academy counts among its Fellows some of the UK’s most eminent thinkers, including Mary Beard, Simon Schama, and Onora O’Neill. New members are selected for their exceptional scholarship and contribution to public understanding of the humanities and social sciences.

Commenting on her election, Professor Yael Navaro said: “It couldn’t be a more important time to mobilise the social sciences and humanities to address some of the most critical issues of our era.”

Professor Barak Kushner added: “It is an honour to be recognised by the British Academy, though also a bit daunting to be put on par with scholars I have looked up to for years. Recognition of this kind brings more attention to the importance of transnational history when researching East Asia and the need to look beyond national borders.”