Professor Tracy Shildrick was elected to the Fellowship of the Academy of Social Sciences in spring 2021. She is internationally recognised as a pioneer and thought-leader for her work on youth transitions and intergenerational poverty. Her work has challenged conventional ideas and understanding about how and why poverty travels across generations and the difficulties young people face in making transitions to adulthood in conditions of marked inequality.
Tracy’s rich publication track record is central to her reputation and she aims to ensure her research has real-world application and effect. She has an ongoing productive relationship with the Joseph Rowntree Trust (JRF), from which she has received significant funding and produced three key research reports on intergenerational poverty.
Her contributions to policy on poverty have culminated in the Millfield House Foundation awarding her £126,000 to host and lead the North East Child Poverty Commission at Newcastle. The Commission plays a vital role bringing politicians, researchers and charities together to advocate for and develop strategies to alleviate child poverty in the North East.