International relations expert recognised for outstanding contribution
Fiona B. Adamson, Professor of International Relations in the Department of Politics and International Studies, has received the 2026 Distinguished Scholar Award from the Ethnicity, Nationalism and Migration Section of the International Studies Association (ISA), the largest professional association for scholars of international relations.
The award was presented at the Annual Meeting of the ISA in Columbus, Ohio by Professor Maria Koinova, University of Warwick.
The award is a testament to outstanding contributions to the field of migration studies, international relations and commitment to scholarly excellence.
Speaking on behalf of the selection committee, which included Professor Roger MacGinty of Durham University and Dr. Emel Akçali of King’s College London, she said:
“This award is a testament to your outstanding contributions to the field of migration studies and international relations, commitment to scholarly excellence, and the profound impact your work has had on the academic community. Your achievements exemplify the highest standards of research, mentorship and leadership.”
Professor Adamson commented: “I am deeply honoured to receive this award and grateful to be part of this global community of scholars. Thank you to the committee for this recognition.”
Professor Adamson’s work examines migration through a geopolitical lens and has made contributions to the study of diaspora politics, migration diplomacy, migration and state-building, and forced migration. She currently holds an Evidence-Informed Policymaking (EIPM) grant from the British Academy, and a Gerda Henkel Foundation Forced Migration Programme fellowship for research on “The Geopolitics of Organised Forced Migration.”
The ISA is one of the oldest interdisciplinary associations dedicated to understanding international, transnational and global affairs. Founded in 1959, its more than 7,000 members comprise academics, practitioners, policy experts, private sector workers and independent researchers, among others.
