President of the British Academy awarded Damehood in King’s Birthday Honours for services to research in the arts, humanities and social sciences

Professor Dame Julia Black CBE FBA, President of the British Academy, has been awarded a Damehood in the King’s Birthday Honours in recognition of her exceptional contribution to research in the arts, humanities and social sciences.

Under her leadership, the British Academy has introduced a number of landmark initiatives highlighted in the Honours list, including the Early Career Researcher Network, which now supports over 6,000 researchers across the UK, and the Researchers at Risk Scheme, which has provided funded fellowships to more than 170 Ukrainian academics displaced by conflict.

Professor Dame Julia Black has also overseen the development of Innovation Fellowships, designed to enable researchers to engage with policymakers and civil society, and a trial of partial randomisation for awarding Small Research Grants, which increased the diversity of applicants and award holders.

Also recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours were two Honorary Fellows of the British Academy; Dr Lisbet Rausing, philanthropist and Co-Founder of Arcadia, and Pat Barker, acclaimed author. Dr Rausing received a Damehood for her outstanding services to the arts, and Pat Barker for her distinguished contribution to literature.

Professor Dame Julia Black PBA said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition. It has been a privilege to lead the British Academy as it undertakes vital work in championing the humanities, social sciences and arts. These disciplines are essential to making sense of an increasingly complex world - from shaping public understanding and policy, to enabling innovation and powering our world-leading creative industries. As I near the end of my Presidency, I remain steadfast in my commitment to supporting both our subjects and the researchers whose work generates the knowledge and insight society needs.

I am also delighted that two of our Honorary Fellows have been recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours. Their awards are a powerful reminder of how the humanities, social sciences and arts contribute to societal wellbeing. Looking forward, I hope to see continued commitment to protect and invest in these essential disciplines.”