Professor Hawkesworth is a Senior Research Fellow in the School of Earth Sciences. He is among the world’s leading geochemists and has played a key role in transforming geochemistry from a largely descriptive discipline in the 1960s to the quantitative science that it is now. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

Dr Mary Canning, president of the Royal Irish Academy, admitted 29 new members in a video call on 22 May. While there were no handshakes there was much smiling for a group of exceptional individuals who are internationally renowned in their respective fields.

The Academy draws its membership from the whole island of Ireland, both north and south. Membership is awarded to people who have attained the highest distinction by their unique contributions to education and research. Members assist the Academy in its work by providing expert advice for its Council and committees, by representing the Academy nationally and internationally and by promoting the Academy’s strategic mission. 

Welcoming the newly admitted members, Dr Canning said: "Ireland should be immensely proud of these women and men who have brought international acclaim to our country. As members of the Royal Irish Academy they will strengthen our capacity to provide the expert advice Ireland needs at this time".

She thanked the many Academy members who had put their expertise at the service of the people of Ireland during the current COVID-19 crisis and announced that "an Academy steering group has been established to develop and coordinate the activities of the various Academy committees and members and to maximise the Academy’s convening power across all humanities, social sciences and science disciplines throughout the island of Ireland."