Senior academic appointed to the Arts and Humanities Research Council Advisory Board

Claire Gorrara, Professor of French Studies at Cardiff University’s School of Modern Languages and Dean for Research and Innovation in the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, has been appointed to the Advisory Board of the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).

The AHRC Advisory Board is comprised of academics and representatives from institutions outside of higher education. It supports the development and actualisation of the AHRC’s vision and underpins its work in the wider context of UK Research and Innovation.

The board’s advice reflects the experience, expertise and knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing arts and humanities research, innovation and practice. Professor Gorrara joins the board for a minimum term of 3 years and brings with her a wealth of experience as a researcher, interdisciplinary collaborator and strategic research lead focused on innovation, culture and commercialisation.

Reacting to the news, Professor Gorrara said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be joining the AHRC Advisory Board at a pivotal time for the future of arts and humanities in the UK and globally. It is a privilege to contribute to the vital work of the AHRC in championing the value of the arts and humanities.”

“As a committed advocate for our research communities, I am passionate about the impact arts and humanities researchers and scholars have on, and in the world – and how that work is of critical importance in challenging times.”

Professor Roger Whitaker, Cardiff University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Enterprise, welcomed the news: “I’d like to extend my congratulations to Claire on her appointment to the AHRC Advisory Board. Having worked with Claire closely for several years, I know that her contributions to the AHRC’s mission will be significant.

“Claire brings considerable academic experience, insight and enthusiasm. In this new role, Claire will continue to be a passionate advocate for the value of arts and humanities research and the benefit and opportunities it can deliver for people and place.”

Professor Gorrara is a senior academic in the School of Modern Languages and a former Head of School. A Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales and the Royal Historical Society, Professor Gorrara is also the academic lead of the MFL Mentoring project - a pan-Wales project that uses mentoring to promote multilingualism and encourage secondary school students to study an international language. In 2023, Professor Gorrara was awarded the Chevalier dans l'Ordre National du Mérite by the French Government for services to French language and culture and the promotion of multilingualism.