Professor of Criminology awarded Fellowship of Academy of Social Sciences
25 Sep 2024
Judith Aldridge one of 45 leading social scientists chosen for highlighting the importance of social sciences to understanding and tackling challenges facing society today.
Professor of Criminology, Judith Aldridge has been awarded a Fellowship of the Academy of Social Sciences.
The Academy has welcomed 45 leading social scientists to its Fellowship this autumn.
Spanning a range of research and practice areas including urban governance and public policy, health technology assessment, hunger and food insecurity, migration and forced displacement, and international law, fellows highlight the importance, breadth and relevance of the social sciences to understanding and tackling the varied challenges facing society today.
As well as excellence in research and applied professional use of social science, the Fellows, drawn from a variety of backgrounds, disciplines and professions, have made significant contributions beyond the academy, including to industry, policy and higher education.
Judith came to our University to do her PhD in 1989 before joining as a research assistant in 1994 and her academic career saw her become Head of the Department of Criminology from 2020 to 2023. Her research focuses on drug use, drug markets and drug policy. She has pioneered research in the area of online drug markets. In connection with her research expertise, she has acted in an advisory capacity to a number of national and international organisations, including the Advisory Council for Misuse of Drugs, an independent body which makes recommendations to government on the control of drugs.
Judith said: “I am honoured to have been elected a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences. I believe the social sciences are critical for understanding what kind of drug policies we need as a society, how to develop them, and, of course, whether they are effective.”
President of the Academy, Will Hutton FAcSS said, “It’s a pleasure to welcome these 45 leading social scientists to the Academy’s Fellowship. Their substantial contributions to social science and wider society have furthered our understanding of the social and environmental factors related to population health, changing cultures of inequality, children and young people’s experiences of gaming and gambling, the importance of diversity and inclusion in organisations, and how businesses can contribute to the sustainable development goals, amongst many others. We look forward to working with them to further promote the important role the social sciences play in our daily lives.”
The Academy’s Fellowship comprises 1,600 leading social scientists from academia, the public, private and third sectors. 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.
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