Excellence and impact

Their work highlights the vital role of the social sciences in understanding and helping to address some of the complex societal challenges facing the UK and the world today. As well as excellence in research and the professional application of social science, the new Fellows, who are drawn from a variety of backgrounds, disciplines and professions, have also made substantial contributions beyond academia, including in policy, public service, industry and civil society.

Dr Ilke Turkmendag is a reader in Biomedicine and Society, based at Newcastle Law School. Her research is focussed on the socio-legal and ethical issues associated with biomedicine, and the regulation of emerging medical technologies, and collaborates frequently with engineers, scientists, clinicians, and artists on different aspects of biomedicine and the law, connecting researchers across disciplines.

Dr Turkmendag said: “I am deeply honoured to be elected a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences. As a social scientist working at the intersection of law, bioethics, and science and technology studies, I see the Fellowship as recognition of my work and the vital contribution that interdisciplinary research can make to understanding rapidly changing biomedical innovation and its implications for society. I look forward to contributing to the Academy’s community and to strengthening the contribution of social science to these important debates.”

Professor David Lain is Professor of Work and Ageing at Newcastle University Business School, where he is also Subject Group Head for Leadership, Work and Organisation. Professor Lain is an expert in the organisation, management and experience of work, in particular employment in older age, the management and experiences of older workers, and prospects for the future of work and retirement - and how this varies between different countries.

Professor Lain said: “It is a real honour to become a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences. I’m looking forward to the opportunities it will bring to help promote social science research on ageing and employment, extended working lives, and health at work.”

Professor Jane Robinson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Business, Partnerships and Place, leads the University’s Business, Partnerships and Place Strategy, focussing on building partnerships to enhance the institution’s contribution socially, economically and culturally. She is also the executive lead for sustainability and social justice.

Professor Robinson said: "I am delighted and deeply honoured to be elected a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences.

"Social science research is vital in making a positive difference to society, and I am proud to be part of Newcastle University's tradition of working with communities, policymakers, businesses and other partners to tackle major challenges in the UK and beyond, turning research into real-world impact."

Social science for public benefit

The Academy’s distinguished Fellowship comprises 1,750 leading social scientists from academia, the public, private and third sectors. Their expertise covers the breadth of the social sciences, and their practice and research helps to understand and address some of the major challenges facing communities, society, places and economies. All Academy Fellows are elected for their excellence in their fields and their substantial contributions to social science for public benefit. Selection is through an independent peer review which recognises their excellence and impact.

The 74 new Fellows announced today have been elected from 38 UK organisations, comprising 36 universities, as well as think tanks, research institutes, public research funding bodies, and from countries beyond the UK including Canada, China, Hong Kong, Macau, and New Zealand.

President of the Academy, Will Hutton FAcSS, said: “Our newest Fellows represent some of the most influential voices in social science today. Their work is expanding knowledge, challenging assumptions and generating insights that are informing and even redefining decision making across government, business, education and civil society. I am delighted to welcome them to the Academy and look forward to working with them to raise the profile and impact of the social sciences across the UK and beyond.”

Press release adapted with thanks to the Academy of Social Sciences