Historian Robert Savage receives honorary degree from National University of Ireland

Robert Savage, a member of the History and Irish Studies faculty and a distinguished scholar of Irish and British history—on subjects such as the decades-long conflict in Northern Ireland and the annals of Irish and British broadcasting—has been awarded an honorary degree from the National University of Ireland.

Savage received the Doctor of Literature Degree from Queen’s University Belfast Professor of Modern Irish History Peter Gray at a ceremony on November 6 at NUI.

Honorary degrees are conferred by NUI on persons meriting recognition for scholarship and creativity “and who, in turn, bring honor to NUI,” according to university officials. NUI praised Savage for the six books he has published—most recently 2022’s Northern Ireland, the BBC and Censorship in Thatcher’s Britain, 1979-1992—which are “notable for their extensive and original use of previously unseen archival material.” Other works by Savage include The BBC’s Irish Troubles: Television, Conflict and Northern Ireland, which was shortlisted for the 2018 Ewart Briggs Literary Award; A Loss of Innocence? Television and Irish Society 1960-1972, winner of the James S. Donnelly, Sr. Prize from the American Conference for Irish Studies; and a biography of Sean Lemass, a major political figure in 20th-century Ireland.

A BC faculty member for 35 years, Savage has been a valued contributor to the Irish Studies program, for which he has served as director and co-director, noted NUI, adding that Savage also has frequently collaborated with colleagues in NUI institutions.

“He has created opportunities for countless students to experience Ireland and Irish Studies and to pursue graduate studies in Ireland. Professor Savage is also a trusted friend to the Department of Foreign Affairs and has regularly hosted formal and informal cross-party meetings of Irish and British local and national politicians at BC—drawing on BC’s location, his own expertise on Northern Ireland and his natural ease of manner.”

“It is an honor to be recognized by the National University of Ireland, but it’s also essential to recognize the commitment the University has made to Irish Studies,” said Savage. “This has enabled faculty to thrive as part of a vibrant interdisciplinary community of scholars.”