The 2019 Holberg Laureate, a prize awarded for outstanding contributions to research in the humanities, social science, law or theology, will be speaking at Oriel College.

Professor Paul Gilroy has been confirmed as the speaker for the college's 2024 Rex Nettleford Lecture.

This lecture takes place at the University of Oxford and is named in honour of the late Rex Nettleford, a former student of the college, and vice-chancellor emeritus of the University of the West Indies.

Professor Gilroy, a theorist of race and racism, is the founding director of the Sarah Parker Remond Centre for the Study of Racism and Racialisation at University College London.

He became the Holberg Laureate in 2019 for his contributions to critical race studies and post-colonialism.

His chosen topic for the lecture is "The Evolving Political Significance of Studying Africa’s Diaspora."

This marks the third year that Oriel College has hosted the lecture.

Following Professor Gilroy’s lecture, winners of the annual Rex Nettleford Essay Prize will be honoured in a ceremony.

The competition opens to year 12 students across UK schools and colleges to confront the enduring influence and realities of colonialism.

Free to attend and open to all, the Rex Nettleford Lecture will be held at the Harris Lecture Theatre, Oriel College, from 5.30pm to 6.30pm on Thursday, May 16.

It is recommended that attendees register in advance.