Ukrainian historian and professor Serhii Plokhii has been awarded an honorary doctorate from Oxford University in a ceremony that took place on 25 June. 

Source : Oxford University

Details : Plokhii (sometimes spelled "Plokhy"), 67, is the director of the Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute.

In 2023, he published The Russo-Ukrainian War: The Return of History, which was released in the United States and Ukraine. It was chosen as one of The Telegraph's best books of the year.

An honorary doctorate was also awarded to the American historian and writer Timothy Snyder , a scholar of Eastern European history with a special interest in Poland, Ukraine and Russia. He is an active supporter of Ukraine and has described the Russian regime as fascist. Since the start of the full-scale war, he has been lecturing on Ukrainian history at Yale University.

The ceremony began with a solemn procession, as representatives of the university and the honorands in full academic dress walked from Exeter College through Catte Street and the Bodleian Library quadrangle.

The honorands signed the Honorary Degrees Book at the Divinity School. They then proceeded to the Sheldonian Theatre, the venue for the Encaenia ceremony, which has been held there in various forms since 1670.

Quote : "Encaenia is a highlight of Oxford’s academic year, offering us an opportunity to celebrate exceptional individuals whose achievements have shaped disciplines, made history and enriched society. 

Today, we honour eight people whose work has inspired, informed and transformed the world around us. This year’s distinguished honorands come from a remarkable array of fields, and through their vision, creativity and dedication, they have made lasting contributions. It is a privilege to recognise their accomplishments and to welcome them into the Oxford community."

Details : In addition to Plokhii and Snyder, degrees were awarded to:

• British parliamentarian, broadcaster and writer Lord Melvyn Bragg ;
• British journalist and presenter Clive Myrie ;
• Irish novelist, journalist and academic Colm Tóibín ;
• British athlete, long-distance runner and television presenter Sir Mo Farah ;
• American chemical engineer, nanotechnologist, biologist, scientist and entrepreneur Robert S Langer ;
• German biophysicist Erwin Neher .

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon !