Vale Emeritus Professor Mark Elvin, Vale Dr Douglas Ernest Yen, and Vale Professor Ranajit Guha

The Australian Academy of the Humanities has only just heard the sad news on the deaths of three Fellows.

Emeritus Professor Mark Elvin FAHA 1938 – 2023, was a master sinologist. Mark was the author of several ground-breaking works that changed the way in which China and its history were conceived.

Dr Douglas Ernest Yen FAHA 1924 – 2023, was an influential ethnobotanist and archaeobotanist. Douglas was a central figure in the study of the origins of agriculture and agricultural systems in Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

Professor Ranajit Guha FAHA 1923 – 2023, was a renowned historian of Asia. Ranajit was an early pioneer of Subaltern studies, studying, from the perspective of the underclasses, post-colonial and post-imperial societies.

We extend our sincere condolences to Douglas, Mark, and Ranajit’s families, friends and colleagues. They will be greatly missed.

Obituaries are being prepared and will be available in due course.

 

In memory of our Fellows

Our Fellows, current and those who have died, have contributed extensively to the rich Australian humanities community. When an Academy Fellow dies, we honour their impact by publishing an obituary by another Fellow who has had a long and close association with them.

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Acknowledgement of Country

The Australian Academy of the Humanities recognises Australia’s First Nations Peoples as the traditional owners and custodians of this land, and their continuous connection to country, community and culture.