Honorary Academic Titles
Honorary Academic Titles are normally used by the University of Sheffield to confirm regular on-going collaborations (not occasional visits) between the University and individuals employed by other institutions or organisations. Such individuals will be making or will have made significant professional and/or academic contributions to the University.
An Honorary Academic Title may be conferred for up to three years with the possibility of extension where appropriate.
No remuneration is paid to those holding Honorary Academic Titles.
The below links aim to provide guidance for the appropriate use of various Honorary Academic Titles conferred by the University of Sheffield. The titles described are not intended to be exhaustive and Heads of Department wishing to confer a title not listed should discuss their recommendation with the Department of Human Resources in the first instance.
Honorary Senior Research Fellow
Honorary Academic Titles within the Faculty of Medicine up to and including Clinical Senior Lecturer are administered by the Faculty of Medicine Office.
Role of the Faculty Director of Research & Innovation/Director of Learning & Teaching
On receipt of the Head of Department's recommendation for an Honorary Title and a "Recommendation to Confer an Honorary Academic Title" form (See Downloads), the Faculty Director of Research & Innovation/Director of Learning & Teaching (as appropriate) should give full consideration to the case presented. The following may be used as a guide to aid decision-making:
- Individual's standing and contribution to his/her profession/field of expertise
- Individual's experience and qualifications
In addition, the Faculty Director of Research & Innovation/Director of Learning & Teaching (as appropriate) should give consideration to the benefits to the University of conferring the title. The Faculty Director of Research & Innovation/Director of Learning & Teaching (as appropriate) are responsible for upholding the standards and status of Honorary Titles up to and including Honorary Senior Lecturer and Honorary Senior Research Fellow.
When the Faculty Director of Research & Innovation/Director of Learning & Teaching (as appropriate) is satisfied that the eligibility criteria have been met, the recommendation will be endorsed as appropriate by signing the "Recommendation to Confer an Honorary Academic Title" form and return it to the Head of Department.
Further advice and guidance may be obtained by contacting the customary HR Adviser.
Confirmation of Conferment for Honorary Titles
Following approval by the Faculty Director of Research & Innovation/Director of Learning & Teaching (as appropriate) of Titles up to and including Honorary Senior Lecturer, the Head of Department should confirm the conferment of the Honorary Academic Title in writing to the individual concerned using the template letter (see Downloads), enclosing a copy of the terms and conditions associated with holding an Honorary Title (see Downloads). (All personal messages or arrangements should be conveyed separately). The Department of Human Resources will confirm the conferment of Honorary Professor and Honorary Reader titles directly to the individual concerned. The conferment of a title will only be valid when the appropriate template letter has been issued.
Terms of Conferment
An individual upon whom an Honorary Academic Title is conferred will be required to follow the University's Terms and Conditions of conferment (see Downloads). Individuals awarded Honorary Titles will gain access to University computing and library services.
Record Keeping
Departments should copy all confirmation letters to the Department of Human Resources in order that the central staff records may be updated. This will also ensure that all Honorary individuals are given prompt access to University resources such as IT systems and the Library.
The Head of Department will receive a copy from the Department of Human Resources of the confirmation sent to individuals awarded Honorary Professor and Honorary Reader titles for their own records.
The Department of Human Resources will issue Heads of Department with a list of all Honorary individuals on an annual basis and they will be asked to confirm that the association with each individual continues. This will also provide an opportunity to request extensions to the period of conferment where appropriate.