Patrick McGuinness, Professor of French and Comparative Literature, has been awarded the Prix Triennal du rayonnement des lettres belges. The prize, also known as the Prix Léo Beeckman, is awarded by the Fondation Wallonie-Bruxelles every three years for contribution to the literature of Belgium. 

Prof. McGuinness was awarded the prize alongside 8 other writers, who won prizes in various genres, from fiction to poetry, by way of bande dessinée and literature in regional languages. The prizes were awarded in a ceremony at the Théâtre Royal du Parc in Brussels on 20 November, introduced by the Minister for Culture, Bénédicte Linard.

Prof. McGuinness commented: 'I'm extremely grateful and honoured - though only half Belgian, I'm wholly delighted.'