Congratulations to Professor Janet Boddy, Dr Megan Lawson, Dr Heather Rolfe, Professor Nick Vaughan-Williams and Professor Jackline Wahba.
Professor Janet Boddy FAcSS is Professor of Child, Youth and Family Studies at the University of Sussex and Adjunct Professor in the NOVA Social Research Institute at OsloMet University. An interdisciplinary social scientist, her research addresses family lives and welfare in the UK and internationally, using qualitative, longitudinal and narrative methods to build contextualised understanding of complex life course inequalities and the implications for policy and practice.
Reflecting on her election to the Academy’s Council, Janet said, “Social sciences have a critical role in challenging times. My research informs policy and practice by learning from children, young people and families – I’m honoured to share that experience as a trustee.”
Dr Megan Lawson is a strategic evaluation and innovation specialist committed to ensuring public investment delivers lasting societal impact. At STFC’s Hartree Centre, she leads national evaluation strategies focused on digital transformation and inclusive growth. A champion of equity and early career support as Co-Chair of UKRI’s Early Career Network, Megan advocates for the social sciences as essential to public policy and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Following news of her election, Megan said, “I’m thrilled to be joining the Academy of Social Sciences Council as a Trustee. Social science has the power to shape fairer, smarter policy – and I’m proud to help champion its impact across research, government, and society.”
Dr Heather Rolfe FAcSS is Director of Research at the think tank British Future and has carried out research on immigration since the 1990s, in particular on migration for work and on public attitudes. Prior to joining British Future in 2021, she led research on employment and social policy at the National Institute of Economic and Social Research, and was Director of Research at Demos.
On hearing of her election to the Academy’s Council, Heather said, “Political and public debate is dominated by conflict and division, often fuelled by misinformation. Social scientists have a key role to play in addressing these challenges, and I am excited to be joining the AcSS council at this time.”
Professor Nick Vaughan-Williams FAcSS is Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Social Sciences at the University of Birmingham. Previously he was Vice-Provost and Chair of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Head of Politics and International Studies at the University of Warwick. He is Chair of the Academy’s Forum for Leaders of Social Science and Chair of the ESRC Midlands Graduate School Management Committee.
On his election to the Academy’s Council, Nick said, “I believe in the power of social science to improve lives. We must make a strong case for investment in social science. No organisation is better placed to do this than the Academy.”
Professor Jackline Wahba FAcSS is Professor of Economics at the Department of Economics at the University of Southampton. She is an applied labour economist specialising in international migration and displacement. In 2020, she was awarded an OBE for her contributions to economic policy. She served as a member of the UK Migration Advisory Committee from 2012 to 2021. She is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences, and a Founding Fellow of the Royal Economic Society.
Following news of her election, Jackline said, “I’m delighted to be elected as a Trustee of the Academy of Social Sciences. I look forward to supporting its mission to champion social science and its impact across society.”
Our five new Trustees join 15 existing members of Council and they are collectively responsible for the governance of the Academy. The Council is chaired by the President and comprises 21 members, most of whom are Fellows. We thank our outgoing members of Council, Stephen Aldridge FAcSS, Professor Tim Allen FAcSS, Professor Eileen Green FAcSS, Professor Tony McEnery FAcSS, Professor Judith Phillips FAcSS (Honorary Treasurer), and Professor Sally Power FAcSS, for their hard work and dedication to the Academy during their terms.