Renowned Ukrainian historian and professor, Serhiy Plokhiy, has received an honorary doctorate from the University of Oxford.
The ceremony took place on June 25, as reported on the university's official website.
At 67, Plokhiy is the director of the Ukrainian Research Institute at Harvard University.
This year, he published a book titled "The Russo-Ukrainian War: The Return of History," released in both the USA and Ukraine. It has been listed among the best publications of the year by The Telegraph.
Alongside Plokhiy, the honorary title was also awarded to American historian Timothy Snyder, a specialist in Eastern European history. He is a vocal supporter of Ukraine and has described the Russian regime as fascist. Following the onset of the full-scale war, he began delivering lectures on Ukrainian history at Yale University.
The ceremony commenced with a formal procession, as university representatives and distinguished guests in academic robes walked from Exeter College to the Bodleian Library.
Subsequently, the honorary laureates signed the Book of Honorary Degrees, kept at the School of Theology, before proceeding to the Sheldonian Theatre, the venue for the Encaenia ceremony, which has been held in various forms since 1670.
"Encaenia is the highlight of the academic year at Oxford, allowing us to celebrate exceptional individuals whose achievements have shaped disciplines, created history, and enriched society," the announcement stated.
Today (June 25) we honor eight individuals whose work has inspired, informed, and transformed the world. This year's recipients represent a remarkably broad range of fields and have made significant contributions through their vision, creativity, and dedication.
In addition to Plokhiy and Snyder, diplomas were awarded to:
- British parliamentarian, broadcaster, and writer Lord Melvyn Bragg;
- British journalist and presenter Clive Myrie;
- Ireland's novelist, journalist, scholar, and professor Colm Tóibín;
- British long-distance runner and presenter Mo Farah;
- American chemical engineer, nanotechnologist, biologist, scientist, and entrepreneur Robert Langer;
- German biophysicist Erwin Neger.
