The Regius Lecture

What is a Regius Professor?

A Regius Professor is a University professor with royal patronage. Appointed by the Monarch on ministerial advice, a Regius professorship is a rare privilege and one of the highest possible academic accolades. 

Founded by King James IV, the tradition dates back to 1497. Since then, this rare award is typically bestowed upon Universities in disciplines judged to be elemental and for which there is a continuing and meaningful need.

In 2013, the late Queen Elizabeth II awarded 12 new Regius Professorships to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee. The University of Essex was appointed the UK’s first ever Regius Professor of Political Science.

Who is the Regius Professor in Political Science?

Professor Kristian Skrede Gleditsch from the Department of Government is the current Regius Professor in Political Science at the University of Essex.  Kristian is an internationally renowned figure in the study of conflict resolution, democratisation and political change.

Previously, Professor David Sanders held the Regius Professorship between 2013 and 2017. David is an internationally-renowned expert on British politics.

All previous Regius lectures at the University of Essex

2024 - Professor Kristian Gleditcsch, University of Essex - Collaboration and cohesion in war: Lessons from the 1940 Norwegian gold run

2024 - Professor Kristian Gleditsch, University of Essex - How can a strong research environment foster better research?

2023 - Professor Kristian Gleditsch, University of Essex - A looming crisis in academic publishing?

2022 - Professor Kristian Gleditsch, University of Essex - One without the other? Prediction and policy in international studies

2021 - Professor Roger Pielke, University of Colorado - Following the Science? The use of science advice in policy

2020 - Professor Kristian Gleditsch, University of Essex - Is democracy in decline?

2019 - Professor Kristian Gleditsch, University of Essex - Inaugural lecture: An ever more violent world

2018 - Professor Janet M. Box-Steffensmeier, Ohio State University - The importance of studying difference and change in the social sciences

2017 - Professor Helen Milner, Princeton University - The politics of globalization: The world economy and domestic politics

2015 - Professor Gary King, Harvard University  - Reverse-engineering censorship in china

2014 - Professor David Sanders, University of Essex - Britain's attitude towards Europe and the European Union (EU) since 1945