Canon Professor Carol Harrison awarded Chair at KU Leuven

The Chair was awarded by the Francqui Foundation, an organisation founded by Herbert Hoover and the diplomat and philanthropist Emile Francqui to ‘promote the development of higher education and scientific research in Belgium’. Each year the Foundation selects an internationally influential researcher to serve as a Chair at KU Leuven, Belgium’s largest university. 

Canon Professor Harrison’s renowned work on the theology and literature of late antique Christianity caught the attention of the Francqui Foundation. Announcing Canon Professor Harrison’s new role, KU Leuven praised her for having 'revolutionized research on Augustine and Late Antiquity by challenging traditional interpretations, proposing new insights (including from other disciplines such as the arts) and more sensory approaches'.

Responding to news of her award, Canon Professor Harrison said: 'This is a great honour. I’m grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues, students and friends at Leuven and look forward to strengthening the links between our Universities.'

Canon Professor Harrison’s new role begins with an inaugural lecture on 25 October, which is entitled 'Finding a Voice: From Sound to Sense'.