Robert Burgess

Robert Burgess may refer to:

Robert Burgess (sociologist)

Sir Robert Burgess DL, FAcSS (born 23 April 1947) is a British sociologist and academic. He was appointed Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester in 1999, succeeding Ken Edwards. He was President of the British Sociological Association 1989-1991. He is currently chair of the board of GSM London.

Burgess received his BA degree from the University of Durham in 1971 and his PhD degree from the University of Warwick in 1981. He remained at Warwick as a lecturer and became Professor of Sociology in 1987. He then rose through the ranks, serving as Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor 1995–99. Burgess then moved to the University of Leicester as Vice-Chancellor, introducing sweeping changes that enhanced the university's reputation and saw it enter the top-20 institutions in many league tables.

Burgess is chair of the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), the Research Information Network, and the UUK/Guild HE Teacher Education Advisory Group. In 2007, Burgess chaired the steering group that produced the Burgess Report, calling for sweeping changes in university degree classification that would replace the established system of first- and second class degrees.

Robert Burgess (rugby)

Robert Balderston Burgess (25 December 1890 – 9 December 1915) was a rugby union player, who represented Ireland. He died at Armentières during the First World War.

Early life

Burgess was born on 25 December 1890 to Henry Burgess, a railway manager, and his wife Agnes. He went to Portora Royal School, where he played rugby and was reputedly the best forward in the team. From there he went to Trinity College, Dublin.

Rugby career

Burgess was fast for a forward, and a strong tackler. He was selected to play for Ireland for a single match, on 30 November 1912 against the touring South Africans, which the visitors won 0–38. From 1913 to 1914, Burgess was playing for Dublin University Football Club and was the club's honorary secretary. He was invited to play for the Barbarians, alongside Alexander Jackson, the Irish centre, and former England captain Edgar Mobbs, against Newport RFC on 27 December 1913, losing 14–0.

International appearance

Military service and death

Soon after the First World War began, in November 1914, Burgess was commissioned in the Royal Army Service Corps. He was soon promoted to captain in January 1915 and served with the Royal Engineers. On 9 December 1915, he was hit by a shell while cycling down the rue de Dunkerque in Armentières, northern France, and died at a casualty clearing station. He was the fourth Irish international rugby player to be killed in action in the First World War. His commanding officer said of him: