[22.05.2008 first posted on silicon republic]
The Royal Irish Academy has elected Professor Nicholas Canny as its 53rd President. Canny is established professor of history at the National University of Ireland, Galway where he is also director of the Moore Institute for Research in the humanities and social studies, and has been vice-president for research 2005-2008. He was educated at University College Galway, University of London and University of Pennsylvania. Canny will serve a three-year term as president.