October 26, 2012, by Fraser

Nottingham academics honoured by The Academy of Social Sciences

Three prominent Professors in the Faculty of Social Sciences at The University of Nottingham have been conferred with the status of Academician by the prestigious Academy of Social Sciences

The three academics are Jonathan Beaverstock, Professor of Economic Geography; Christopher Day, Emeritus Professor of Education; and Paul Heywood, Sir Francis Hill Professor of European Politics and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences. They join an elite group of around 700 other distinguished scholars and practitioners from academia and the public and private sectors. Included in this year’s list are also the Rt Hon David Blunkett MP, former Home Secretary, and the Rt Hon Peter Riddell CBE, Director of the Institute for Government.

The Academy was established in 1999 with a mission to promote excellence in, and encourage the advancement of, the social sciences for the public benefit in the UK. Typically, Academician status is only awarded when the person being nominated has significant achievements to their name and has made a distinguished contribution to the social sciences more broadly than the normal demands of their job. This contribution can be the area of thought leadership, practitioner applications or policy development.

Professor Heywood said: “I am delighted to have been admitted as an Academician. It is especially flattering because conferment of the award is based on peer group review of the standing and impact of your work.

“However, the award is also a recognition of the tremendous work Nottingham is doing to promote and advance the social sciences in terms of teaching, learning and research. Social scientists are pivotal in improving our understanding of a rapidly changing world and providing new solutions and knowledge to the key challenges facing contemporary global society such as inequality; social diversity; environmental sustainability; security and conflict; globalisation; technological innovation; health and wellbeing; culture and identity; and societal change. As such it is vital for the social sciences to have a strong voice.

“I am equally pleased for my two colleagues Jon Beaverstock and Chris Day who have made an outstanding contribution in their respective fields”.

Posted in Awards and accolades