Jackson Alvin

Prof. Jackson Alvin is the Sir Richard Lodge Professor of History at the University of Edinburgh, serving as Dean of Research and Deputy Head of the College of Humanities & Social Sciences since 2014. He previously led the School of History, Classics & Archaeology (2010–2013) and held professorial roles at Queen’s University Belfast (1999–2004) and Boston College (1996–1997). His academic journey began with early positions at University College Dublin (1988–1991).

Education: BA (Hons) in Modern History from Corpus Christi College, Oxford (1982), followed by a DPhil in History from Nuffield College, Oxford (1986). His postgraduate studies were supported by prestigious scholarships including the Major State Studentship and Nuffield College Research Studentship.

Research focuses on modern British and Irish political history, union movements, and constitutional frameworks. Notable contributions include studies on the Ulster Unionist Party, Edward Carson, and comparative UK-Irish-Scottish union dynamics. Awards include the 2014 Leverhulme Fellowship and Royal Irish Academy Honorary Membership.

Publications encompass monographs like The Two Unions (2012) and edited volumes such as The Oxford Handbook of Modern Irish History (2014). Over 40 peer-reviewed articles appear in journals like Past & Present and Irish Historical Studies.

• Key grants: British Academy Research Readership (2000), Senior Research Fellowship (2008)
• Led major projects on modern Irish political movements

His work bridges historical analysis with contemporary debates on unionism, nationalism, and constitutional change.