This is a list of notable individuals elected as Scholars of Trinity College Dublin. Described by Trinity College as "the most prestigious undergraduate award in the country", Foundation Scholarship ("Schols") examinations have been held annually at Trinity since its establishment in 1592.
Schols is awarded to those who achieve a first class honours average in a set of challenging voluntary examinations, held in January the week before Hilary term begins, which test a student's ability to "consistently demonstrate exceptional knowledge and understanding of their subjects". Benefits include waived fees, a small salary, rooms in college, dining rights at Commons, Seanad voting privileges and a post-nominal title, "Sch.". Typically, less than 1% of the undergraduate population is awarded the scholarship.
Many scholars have gone on to acclaim in a range of fields over the past five centuries, both in academia and the wider world. Former scholars include two Nobel Prize winners, one head of state (Mary Robinson), several government ministers, an Academy Award nominee (Lenny Abrahamson), and nine Provosts of Trinity College Dublin itself.
The subject and year of scholarship are included in brackets after each awardee's name below.
Arts and entertainment.
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Broadcasting and journalism.
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Economics and public policy.
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Education.
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Humanities and political science.
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Law, politics and government.
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Mathematics and science.
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Religion.
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In popular culture.
In Sally Rooney's 2018 novel "Normal People", set in Trinity, the two protagonists are elected scholars - Connell in English, and Marianne in History and Political Science. Rooney is a former scholar, as is Lenny Abrahamson, who directed the TV series based on the novel.
References.
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