A University of Aberdeen professor is among 41 leading social scientists recognised for the substantial contribution their work makes to tackle the challenges facing society.
Professor Lorna Philip, Personal Chair in Geography at the School of Geosciences, has been made a Fellow of the Academy of Social Science.
Selected through an independent peer review, the Academy’s Fellowship is made up of distinguished individuals from academic, public and private sectors, across the full breadth of social sciences. Their practice and research addresses some of the major challenges facing communities, places and economies.
Professor Philip’s main area of research is rural socio-economic change. She has published conceptual and empirical papers about rural social exclusion, population change and ageing in rural communities, as well as rural digital divides; and has completed research on these topics funded by UK Research Councils and government departments.
As a Fellow, she joins over 1,500 leading social scientists and is part of a community which has helped establish the UK’s position as a global leader in the social sciences.
The new Fellows have been elected from 30 UK organisations, comprising 25 Higher Education Institutions, as well as think tanks, research institutes and nonprofits, and from countries beyond the UK including Australia and South Korea.
President of the Academy, Will Hutton, said: “At a time when the importance of the social sciences to addressing many pressing issues cannot be overstated, it’s a pleasure to welcome these 41 leading social scientists to the Academy’s Fellowship.
“Their contributions have furthered our understanding in tackling a wide range of societal challenges including mitigating health and economic inequalities, understanding the causes and effects of hate crime, the development of inclusive practices in education, and the future of cities. We look forward to working with them to further promote the vital role the social sciences play in all areas of our lives.”
Professor Philip said: “I am delighted to have been conferred Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences, the national academy of academics, practitioners and learned societies in social science.
“I am looking forward to supporting the Academy’s policy and research activities, work that aligns with my ongoing contributions to policy and public debates associated with challenges and opportunities in contemporary rural communities in Scotland and elsewhere in the UK.”
Head of School David Muirhead said: “At the School of Geosciences were are thrilled to hear of Professor Philip being made a Fellow of the Academy of Social Science. Lorna’s research expertise is critical at a time when we face such broad societal challenges and I am delighted to her work recognised in such a manner.”