Professor Ruth McAreavey has been made a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in recognition of her substantial contribution to social science, particularly her work on the dynamics shaping rural communities globally.

Professor McAreavey is one of 41 social scientists to be announced as this year’s Fellows, highlighting the importance, breadth and relevance of the social sciences to tackling the varied challenges facing society today.

Professor McAreavey said: “Social sciences are crucial if we are to effectively address global and local inequalities within modern societies. I’m proud to join the Academy of Social Sciences and I look forward to engaging with its important agenda.”

This year’s cohort joins more than 1,500 leading social scientists from academia, the public, private and third sectors, whose research and practice address some of the major challenges facing communities, society, places and economies.

All Academy Fellows are selected through an independent peer review which recognises their excellence and impact, including their wider contributions to social sciences for public benefit.  

The new Fellows have been elected from 30 UK organisations, comprising 25 Higher Education Institutions, as well as think tanks, research institutes and nonprofits, and from countries beyond the UK including Australia and South Korea.  

President of the Academy, Will Hutton, said: “At a time when the importance of the social sciences to addressing many pressing issues cannot be overstated, it’s a pleasure to welcome these 41 leading social scientists to the Academy’s Fellowship. Their contributions have furthered our understanding in tackling a wide range of societal challenges including mitigating health and economic inequalities, understanding the causes and effects of hate crime, the development of inclusive practices in education, and the future of cities. We look forward to working with them to further promote the vital role the social sciences play in all areas of our lives.”