Cameroonian Professor, Francis Nyamjoh, elected Fellow of British Academy.

The election as a Fellow, cements his position as a leading researcher for his contributions to the fields of African studies and social anthropology. 

His research areas include media and communication, mobility, identity, citizenship, and the politics of belonging, focusing uniquely on the theoretical lenses of incompleteness and conviviality. 

Responding to the honour as quoted by the University of Cape Town, Professor Nyamnjoh, said: “The election as an International Fellow of the British Academy is a great honour, both personally and for the University of Cape Town, the institution that has nurtured my scholarly pursuits. This prestigious recognition, described by the academy as ‘the highest honour... in recognition of scholarly distinction in the humanities and social sciences’ is deeply humbling”. 

He has described it as a privilege to contribute to the University of Cape Town’s mission of establishing itself as a leading research-intensive university in Africa and globally. 

“This election serves as a testament to the international recognition and celebration of my scholarship,” he added.

In the 2024 selection of fellows, the British Academy elected 52 Fellows from 21 United Kingdom universities and 30 International Fellows from institutions worldwide, including the United States of America, Canada, South Africa, Japan, China, Australia, Taiwan, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, and Israel. 

Four Honorary Fellows were elected from the worlds of art, literature, journalism, and filmmaking. 

The new Fellows, many of whom have been supported by the academy throughout their careers, represent a diverse range of specialisms across the humanities and social sciences. 

As an International Fellow, Professor Nyamnjoh, has expressed his eagerness to collaborate with the British Academy to foster research partnerships with British institutions. 

Such a collaboration, he said will benefit the University of Cape Town, South Africa, and the broader African continent in advancing a collective understanding of complex issues facing the world.

Professor Francis B. Nyamnjoh is a professor of social anthropology at the University of Cape Town in South Africa. He has taught in universities in Cameroon, Africa and other parts of the world.

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue No:3176 of Monday July 22, 2024