A Ryerson professor has been elected into Canada’s prestigious fellowship of academics.
Psychology professor Martin Antony is one of 84 Canadian scholars, scientists and artists selected to join the Royal Society this year as their newest group of fellows.
“The fellowship is the highest honour a scholar can achieve in the arts, humanities and sciences in Canada,” said Russell MacDonald, the interim communications officer for the Royal Society.
Antony was nominated by Ryerson University and selected by a panel of existing fellows for his research in anxiety disorders and perfectionism.
The society’s primary objective is to promote learning and research. It does not, however, give out research grants.
“We promote research in other ways by writing letters and being in the research scene,” said MacDonald.
It does award medals each year for excellence in different fields, some of which come with cash prizes. The society has already announced nine medal winners this year, and plans to award at least three more.
Fellows must pay annual dues, but other than that, there are no formal obligations.
“It’s an honour to be a member, we’d like to think, so there’s no requirement,” said MacDonald.
If inclined, fellows can volunteer to sit on the society’s various committees and expert panels throughout the year, but it isn’t mandatory.
What is mandatory for Antony, however, is attending the society’s annual conference in Banff, Alta. this November, where he will be officially inducted into the fellowship.
Much of Antony’s research looks at how to provide treatment to anxiety disorders by changing people’s beliefs and behaviours.
Antony said looks forward to being exposed to new fields.
“This is an opportunity to connect with people from a broader range of disciplines.”
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