Two University social scientists named Academicians

Two University professors from the Faculty of Social Sciences have been named Academicians by the Academy of Social Sciences (AcSS) in recognition of their work.

Professor Allison James, Director of the Interdisciplinary Centre of Social Sciences (ICOSS) and Chair in Sociology and Professor Matthew Flinders, from the Department of Politics, were both given the awards in recognition of their contributions to social science and its promotion.

Professor James obtained a degree in Sociology and Anthropology from Durham University. She stayed there on a Social Science Research Council scholarship to undertake her PhD in Social Anthropology. In 2003 Professor James came to our University as Professor of Sociology. As well as her position with ICOSS, Professor James is also the Director of the Centre for the Study of Childhood and Youth. She was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Karlstad University Sweden in 2008.

Speaking of her award Professor James said: “I am delighted that my contribution to the development of childhood studies as a new interdisciplinary field has been acknowledged in this way by the social science community as a whole. “

Professor Flinders came to Sheffield to complete his doctorate in Public Policy and Governance from Loughborough University. He was appointed to a Lectureship in 2000 and has held a number of senior administrative positions with the Faculty of Social Sciences and within the Department of Politics. He was appointed to his current Chair in Parliamentary Government and Governance in 2009. He has won the MacKenzie Prize for the Best Book in Political Science (2009) the Harrison Prize for the best article published in Political Studies (2002) and the Richard Rose Prize (2006) for the most outstanding young scholar working in the field of British and Irish politics. He recently wrote and presented a three-part series for BBC Radio 4 entitled In Defence of Politics.

Professor Flinders said: “Being made an Academician is a great honour and to a great extent it reflects the support and intellectual stimulation offered by my friends and colleagues within the Department of Politics and the broader Faculty of Social Sciences”.

The AcSS works with the Government and the public to raise awareness of social science and enhance its value to society. It is composed of 32 learned societies and more than 450 Academicians from institutions throughout the UK and Ireland.

You can find more stories on Social Sciences in this month's Overview