The Royal Society of Canada (RSC) is honouring two Trent faculty members with one of the highest academic distinctions available to scholars, artists, and scientists in the country. 

Dr. Antonio Cazorla-Sánchez, a Trent History professor and one of North America’s leading experts on the Spanish Civil War, was recently elected a fellow, while Dr. Andrew Tanentzap, Canada Research Chair in Climate Change and Northern Ecosystems at Trent, was announced as a new college member. 

An international leader in European history  

Professor Cazorla-Sánchez is among 101 new fellows, elected by their peers for their outstanding scholarly, scientific, and artistic achievements and impact.  

“In the academic world, this is considered one of the highest honours, so I feel very lucky to be among those elected,” said Prof. Cazorla-Sánchez. “I feel a new type of responsibility to be humble and act according to the highest possible standards.” 

“I was hired over twenty years ago, and I have a lot of gratitude towards Trent, it is such a kind university,” continued Prof. Cazorla-Sánchez. “So, through this distinction I want to give back as much as possible – to my students, the staff and the whole Trent community.” 

Prof. Cazorla-Sánchez is an internationally recognized historian, known for innovative contributions to the field of public history. His work focuses on political violence and dictatorship in 20th-century Europe, especially of the Spanish Civil War and the Francisco Franco regime. A notable participant in important public debates about Spain’s difficult past, he also co-founded and co-directed Spanish Civil War: A Virtual Museum, the world’s first museum centered around the conflict.  

Impactful discoveries in climate change and biodiversity

Professor Tanentzap is among 58 new college members in RSC’s incoming class. The college makes up a group of career leaders whose goal is to help Canada and the world address major challenges and seize new opportunities by providing multigenerational capacity to the RSC.  

“This accomplishment reflects the hard work and dedication of the many talented members of my research group past and present,” says Prof. Tanentzap. “I’m thrilled to be appointed as a college member and delighted to continue my work elevating the research profile of Trent University.” 

In addition to being the Canada Research Chair, Prof. Tanentzap is also internationally recognized for his groundbreaking work at the interface between ecology, evolutionary biology, and biogeochemistry. His research is making fundamental discoveries in understanding the impact of environmental change on both biodiversity and the human related benefits of nature, including food production, carbon sequestration, and drinking water. 

Read more about the Royal Society of Canada’s incoming class of 2023. 

Visit Prof. Cazorla Sánchez’s Spanish Civil War: A Virtual Museum