Oxford Professor of Poetry elections now open
23 February 2023
The University of Oxford has opened applications to the Professor of Poetry, regarded as one of the most prestigious and prominent posts in the field of poetry. Previous incumbents include W H Auden, Seamus Heaney and Simon Armitage.
The Professor of Poetry will be chosen by election of staff and alumni of the University in June 2023 and will hold the post for four years.
Duties include public lectures, and orations at University honorary degree ceremonies.
Alice Oswald, the first woman to hold the Professorship, has been an exceptionally committed and successful Professor of Poetry, rising to the challenges of the pandemic and offering many student-facing workshops and events. Some of her lectures are available here: https://podcasts.ox.ac.uk/series/professor-poetry. Her final lecture will take place in the Natural History Museum.
Chair of Committee, Marion Turner, said:
‘For many people from all walks of life, reading, hearing, and thinking about poetry is of profound importance. The prestigious Professorship of Poetry celebrates the role that poetry has held in almost all societies. It is a flagship post at Oxford, and represents our commitment to discussing the craft of poetry, its practice, interpretation, and power.’
The post is offered on a part-time basis, and there is not any requirement to be resident in Oxford. Potential applicants wishing to see the job description and selection criteria should visit www.ox.ac.uk/poetry
Information for editors:
- Applications are open from 10 February until 17 March 2023. The Professor of Poetry Committee will draw up a shortlist of applicants to stand in the election.
- The results will be announced on 16 June 2023.
- For more information and interviews with the team, please contact: E: [email protected] T: 01865 280528
About the University of Oxford
Oxford University has been placed number 1 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for the seventh year running, and 2nd in the QS World Rankings 2022. At the heart of this success is our ground-breaking research and innovation.
Oxford is world-famous for research excellence and home to some of the most talented people from across the globe. Our work helps the lives of millions, solving real-world problems through a huge network of partnerships and collaborations. The breadth and interdisciplinary nature of our research sparks imaginative and inventive insights and solutions.
Through its research commercialisation arm, Oxford University Innovation, Oxford is the highest university patent filer in the UK and is ranked first in the UK for university spinouts, having created more than 200 new companies since 1988. Over a third of these companies have been created in the past three years. The university is a catalyst for prosperity in Oxfordshire and the United Kingdom, contributing £15.7 billion to the UK economy in 2018/19, and supports more than 28,000 full-time jobs.
Researchers find oldest undisputed evidence of Earth’s magnetic field
Honorary degree recipients for 2024 announced
Vice-Chancellor's innovative cross-curricular programme celebrated
New database sheds light on violence in Greek detention facilities
New trial using skin patches as an ‘early warning system’ to spot lung transplant rejection