Liverpool academics elected Fellows of the Academy of Social Sciences
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Three academics from across the University have been elected as Fellows of the Academy of Social Sciences in recognition of their research excellence addressing some of the major challenges facing communities, society, places and economies.
Professor Bethan Evans, Sue Jarvis and Professor Sally Sheard are among 64 outstanding social scientists to be elected to the Fellowship this spring from 32 UK organisations, comprising 28 Higher Education Institutions, as well as think tanks, non-profits, and overseas institutions.
A Professor of Human Geography, Bethan Evans is a leading expert in geographies of embodiment, particularly in relation to fat embodiment, young people, critical public health, and Energy Limiting Conditions (ELC). Her research examines how institutions reinforce societal norms about acceptable bodies and how spaces and institutions are experienced differently by different people. Professor Evans works with activists, practitioners and organisations outside academia to co-produce research in interdisciplinary teams.
Professor Evans is co-director of the Centre for Health, Arts, Society and Environment (CHASE), a founding member of the Northern Network for Medical Humanities Research (NNMHR) and deputy director of the ESRC North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP).
Susan Jarvis is Co-Director of the Heseltine Institute for Public Policy, Practice and Place with a background in local government and public policy. She has senior leadership experience in delivering public services and managing complex, multi-agency programmes.
A former director at Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Knowsley Council, Susan Jarvis specialises in public policy, employment, skills, and economic development. She works closely with local, regional and national stakeholders, bridging academic research and policymaking to address key challenges facing cities and city regions.
She is a co-lead of the NIHR Health Determinants Research Collaboration Liverpool and a Place Fellow for the Local Policy Innovation Partnership national hub funded by UKRI.
Professor Sally Sheard is a health policy analyst and historian specialising in the relationship between expert advisers and policymakers.
Sally’s research covers the political economy of health, especially the NHS and infection control policy development. She has extensive experience of using history in public and policy engagement, including working with national and local government organisations and health authorities. Sally has also written for and appeared in various TV and radio programs, including BBC Radio 4’s series marking the NHS's 70th anniversary.
Professor Sheard is Executive Dean of the Institute of Population Health at the University and also holds the Andrew Geddes and John Rankin Chair of Modern History.
Will Hutton FAcSS, President of the Academy, said, “I’m delighted to welcome these 64 outstanding social scientists to the Academy’s Fellowship, whose research and practice are helping to develop solutions to pressing societal issues. From informing decision-making around environmental challenges and encouraging entrepreneurial growth to improving planning systems and tackling educational inequalities, their insights, skills and understanding are delivering positive impact to improve our daily lives.”
The Academy’s Fellowship comprises 1,600 leading social scientists from academia, the public, private and third sectors.
All 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.