Edward John Gwynn was an Irish academic who served as the 36th Provost of Trinity College Dublin from 1927 to 1937. He was also President of the Royal Irish Academy from 1934 to 1937. Professor Gwynn was a scholar of Old Irish and Celtic literature.

The Royal Irish Academy, based in Dublin, is an academic body that promotes study in the sciences, humanities and social sciences. It is Ireland's premier learned society and one of its leading cultural institutions. The Academy was established in 1785 and granted a royal charter in 1786. As of 2019, the RIA has around 600 members, regular members being Irish residents elected in recognition of their academic achievements, and Honorary Members similarly qualified but based abroad; a small number of members are elected in recognition of non-academic contributions to society.