First Woman Professor, 1958

In 1958 Elizabeth Wiskemann (1899-1971) was appointed to the Montague Burton Chair of International Relations, thus becoming Edinburgh University's first female professor.

Montague Burton Chair

The Chair was endowed by Sir Montague Maurice Burton (1885-1952), founder of the Burton chain of clothes shops. The holder was 'bound to teach and instruct students in the principles of International Relations, particularly in connection with modern history and Public International Law'. The purpose underlying the endowment was to 'foster the study of International Relations and thus further the attainment of universal peace and the brotherhood of man based on the ideals of the United Nations Organisation'.

The holder of the Chair was to teach in the Spring term only, during which he or she was obliged to reside in Edinburgh. The appointment was for a fixed period of three years, at the end of which the holder could apply for re-election. The holder was a member of both the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Arts.

Elizabeth Wiskemann

Wiskemann was appointed in 1958 on the recommendation of William Norton Medlicott (1900-1987), Professor of International History at the London School of Economics. She was well-known as a writer on the modern politics of Germany, Italy, and Czechoslovakia, though her teaching in the chair increasingly focused on developments in post-colonial Africa. Besides giving well-attended lectures, Wiskemann did much to enhance the profile of her post by inviting national and international experts to lead discuss groups on issues of the day. Due to medical problems caused by deteriorating eyesight, Elizabeth Wiskemann did not apply for re-election in 1961.