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St Hugh’s Fellow receives Recognition of Distinction Award

Congratulations to St Hugh’s Fellow and Senior Tutor, Professor Robert Vilain, who has received the Recognition of Distinction award. Oxford University’s Divisional Distinctions Committee has conferred on Robert the title of Professor of German and Comparative Literature.

There are three criteria for the conferment of the title of full Professor which must be met:

• Research: An ongoing research record characterised by a significant influence on the field of study, of a high order of excellence and international standing, and the quality of which in terms of research distinction is at least equal to that expected of those appointed to full professorships at other leading international research universities.
• Teaching: An ongoing record of involvement in University and/or College administration concomitant with the duties of the University post and the College fellowship, and demonstrable competence in such administration. An ongoing record of effective teaching for the University and for colleges concomitant with the duties of the University post and the college fellowship (where one is held).
• Good citizenship: “Good citizenship” may include activities such as the holding of University and/or college offices, service on University and/or college committees, and leadership of equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives, amongst others. Account may also be taken of editorship of journals, service on committees working in a national context, and other forms of public engagement, as well as activities connected to enterprise, links with industry and business etc.

For more information on Oxford University’s Recognition of Distinction award please click here.

Robert is co-organiser of the major international conference to commemorate the centenary of the death of Rainer Maria Rilke, which is being held at the Deutsches Literaturarchiv, Marbach-am-Neckar from 30 September to 2 October 2025. Please click here for more details.