Clarkson University History Professor Stephen Casper Elected Fellow of the Royal Historical Society

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October 7, 2024

Clarkson University Professor of History and Interim Associate Director of Honors Stephen Casper has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society (RHS), a prestigious recognition of his scholarly contributions to the field of history.

Casper has had a distinguished academic career at Clarkson University and has made significant contributions to the history of medicine and science, particularly focusing on the cultural and intellectual history of the neurosciences. His pioneering work has played a key role in advancing historical, sociological, and anthropological perspectives on concussion and traumatic brain injuries.

Among his notable works is The Neurologists: A History of a Medical Specialty in Modern Britain, published by Manchester University Press. He has also co-edited several significant volumes, including The History of the Brain and Mind Sciences and The Neurological Patient in History.

His forthcoming book, Punch Drunk and Dementia: A Cultural History of Concussion, 1870-Present, promises to be a landmark study, exploring the intersections of medical science, culture, and violence. In addition, Empire, Colonialism, and the Human Sciences: Troubling Encounters in the Americas and Pacific, to be published by Cambridge University Press this November, is under contract for translation into Portuguese and publication with Fiocruz in Brazil, with a Spanish translation in progress. His articles have appeared in prestigious journals such as Isis and Social Studies and Medicine.

In addition to his academic publications, Casper's work has reached broader audiences through book reviews published in leading journals such as Nature, Science, and Lancet Neurology, where he critically engages with contemporary developments in neuroscience and neurological medicine. His scholarship continues to bridge the gap between medical history, the history of science, public discourse, and legal expertise, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in his field.

Casper's expertise extends beyond academia, as he has served as an expert witness in major concussion litigation cases, including high-profile lawsuits against the NCAA and the National Hockey League and is involved in pending litigation in the United Kingdom. His historical insights into the medical and cultural dimensions of concussion have been critical in shaping modern understandings of brain injuries and their long-term effects. His work in this area has garnered significant media attention, including extensive coverage in The New Yorker online.

Casper has made a significant impact in upholding academic integrity within the field of sports medicine. He played a pivotal role in exposing a major plagiarism scandal in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, which resulted in the retraction of multiple articles due to violations of copyright and ethical standards. This exposure sparked critical discussions on integrity, conflicts of interest, and academic honesty in concussion science and medicine, influencing the proceedings of the sixth Concussion in Sports Group meeting in 2022.

Election to the Fellowship of the Royal Historical Society is a significant honor for historians worldwide. For American readers, it is akin to receiving recognition from leading academic societies in the United States. Founded in 1868, the RHS is one of the oldest and most esteemed professional organizations for historians, based in the United Kingdom.

Fellowship is awarded to scholars who have made outstanding contributions to historical research, marking a significant academic distinction. For Casper, this fellowship acknowledges his groundbreaking work in the history of medicine and highlights his influence on the field globally.