Serhiy Plokhii Honored as Honorary Doctor at Oxford University
Renowned Ukrainian historian and professor Serhiy Plokhii has been awarded the title of honorary doctor by Oxford University.
The ceremony took place on June 25, as announced on the university's official website.
At 67 years old, Serhiy Plokhii serves as the director of the Ukrainian Research Institute at Harvard.
In 2023, he published the book The Russo-Ukrainian War: The Return of History, which has gained popularity in both the USA and Ukraine, making it to The Telegraph's best books list of the year.
American historian Timothy Snyder, known for his work on Eastern European history, also received the honorary doctorate. He is a strong advocate for Ukraine and has labeled the Russian regime as fascist. After the full-scale war began, he started teaching a course on Ukrainian history at Yale University.
The ceremony commenced with a formal procession featuring university representatives and esteemed guests in academic attire, walking from Exeter College to the Bodleian Library.
Following this, the honorees signed the Book of Honorary Degrees at the School of Theology, before proceeding to the Sheldonian Theatre, the venue for the Encaenia ceremony, which has been held there in various forms since 1670.
Encaenia is a highlight of the academic year at Oxford, allowing for the celebration of exceptional individuals whose achievements have shaped disciplines, created history, and enriched society.
Today (June 25 – ed.), we honor eight individuals whose work has inspired, informed, and transformed the world. This year’s honorees represent a wide range of fields, and through their vision, creativity, and dedication, they have made significant contributions.
In addition to Plokhii and Snyder, degrees were awarded to:
- British politician, broadcaster, and author Lord Melvyn Bragg;
- British journalist and presenter Clive Myrie;
- Ireland's novelist, journalist, and professor of humanities Colm Tóibín;
- British athlete, long-distance runner, and presenter Mo Farah;
- American chemical engineer and entrepreneur Robert Langer;
- German biophysicist Erwin Neher.
