regius professor
Noun: A regius professor is the holder of a prestigious British professorship that was originally established by a royal patron, typically a monarch. These positions are often found at older universities like Oxford and Cambridge.
The title "Regius Professor" is a formal and specific academic rank. * It is always capitalized when referring to a specific, titled position. * It is used as an official title preceding the holder's name or the name of the chair (e.g., "Regius Professor of History").
- As a title:
- Referring to the position:
- General reference:
The term specifically denotes the historical origin and prestige of the position, implying it is one of the oldest and most established chairs at a university. The appointment to a Regius Professorship is often made or approved by the reigning monarch on the advice of the government.
- Regius Professorship (n): The office or position itself, not the person holding it.
- The Regius Professorship of Medicine was established in 1546.
- Named chair: A general term for a professorship funded by an endowment and named for its benefactor.
- Endowed professor: A professor who holds a position funded by a permanent endowment.
Note: While "named chair" and "endowed professor" are related concepts, "Regius Professor" is distinct due to its specific royal origin and historical context within the UK university system.
- holder of a British professorship created by a royal patron