The Royal Irish Academy is one of Ireland's premier learned societies and cultural institutions. Membership is awarded to persons who have attained the highest distinction by their unique contributions to education and research.
Dr Gladys Ganiel has been recognised for her international reputation for the originality and quality of her work on religion and peacebuilding, and on contemporary religious practices. Her three key pioneering monographs have had a global impact on her discipline and have helped to shape wider public understanding of religion.