Professor Francis Watson from our Department of Theology and Religion has been awarded a prestigious medal by the British Academy in recognition of his research into the New Testament and early Christianity.
He has received the 2026 Burkitt Medal for Biblical Studies, recognising his original thinking and influential books exploring early Christian texts and their place in history.
The award was presented as part of the British Academy’s annual Prizes and Medals ceremony, which celebrates outstanding contributions to the humanities and social sciences.
The Burkitt Medal is awarded annually for significant contributions to biblical studies.
In even-numbered years, it recognises work on the New Testament, while in odd-numbered years it focuses on the Hebrew Bible.
Professor Watson’s research has helped deepen understanding of early Christian writings, including texts that were not included in the New Testament.
Professor Francis Watson said: “I am grateful to the British Academy for considering my work worthy of the Burkitt Medal. It’s a great honour.”
He added that the award is a welcome public recognition of biblical studies and its contribution to understanding western cultural heritage.
Since arriving at Durham nearly 20 years ago, Professor Watson has focused on the early writings about Jesus and the development of the Christian Gospels.
His research examines not only the four Gospels included in the New Testament, traditionally associated with Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, but also other early accounts of Jesus’s life and teachings.
These include texts linked to Peter, Thomas, Mary and Judas Iscariot. Although some were excluded from the New Testament, many continued to circulate among readers in different languages.
In his 2013 book, Gospel Writing, Professor Watson explored how the selection of the four Gospels shaped which early Christian writings were accepted and which were rejected.
Professor Watson has also worked to bring historical research to the public through projects exploring important religious texts.
One project focused on Codex Amiatinus, an eighth-century Bible produced in Wearmouth and Jarrow, in the North East of England, during the time of Bede.
Working with colleagues and creative partners, he helped audiences discover the significance of this remarkable book and its place in the region’s cultural heritage.
His medal celebrates a career dedicated to exploring early Christianity and bringing its complex history to wider audiences.
Our Department of Theology and Religion is ranked fourth in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 and first in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2027. Visit our Theology and Religion webpages for more information on our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
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