A MARY Immaculate College (MIC) academic was inducted into the Royal Irish Academy at a celebratory ceremony held in Dublin late last month.
Dr Christiane Schönfeld was awarded the prestigious position at the Royal Irish Academy (RIA) as result of her lifetime contributions to the humanities along with 27 other academics in a ceremony held on May 24.
Founded in 1785, the RIA is the highest academic honour in Ireland, granted to those who submit original contributions to research in their respective fields.
Professor William Leahy, dean of the Faculty of the Arts at MIC, noted the appointment this as an important milestone for the college, and a massive accomplishment for Dr Schönfeld.
Lauding the lecturer’s appointment, Professor Leahy said that he is “proud to have someone of her calibre representing the college in the RIA and internationally”.
Dr Schönfeld has made various contributions to the academic understanding of German literature, especially through the lens of creative women and marginalised groups such as sex-workers.
She also co-edited the works of playwright Ernst Toller, an exile and anti-fascist of the Weimar Republic.
“To say I am delighted about this appointment is an understatement,” Dr Schönfeld said.
“I look forward to representing MIC in the Academy, while working with other members, providing my expertise, and supporting the Academy in promoting its important strategic mission in Ireland and internationally.”
Before being appointed the Head of Department of German Studies in 2009, Dr Schönfeld worked as a professor at both the University of Wales and the University of Galway.
