RSE Fellow appointed to new role supporting social sciences

Professor Christina Boswell FRSE has been appointed the new Chair of the Campaign for Social Science.

The campaign is run by the Academy of Social Sciences (AcSS), of which Professor Boswell is also a Fellow, and this new role will also make her a trustee of AcSS. The initiative demonstrates how social science can improve public policy and society as a result, by highlighting the value of applied social science research in policymaking. The campaign is supported by a coalition of universities, social science societies, and publishers.

Speaking on the Academy’s website, Professor Boswell said: “I’m honoured and delighted to be taking on this role at such a crucial time for the social sciences. We are facing a perfect storm of social, economic and environmental disruption, and the insights and methods from social sciences will be at the heart of tackling these problems. I’m looking forward to working with our social science community and stakeholders across policy, public sector, industry and civil society to deliver the Campaign’s mission of improving policy, society and our lives.”

Professor of Politics at the University of Edinburgh, Christina is a leading authority on the role of research and expertise in policymaking, with major publications on political trust and the use of evidence. She brings extensive leadership experience from senior higher education roles and wide‑ranging policy advisory work across UK government and international institutions.

RSE President Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli PRSE said: “The news that RSE Fellow Professor Boswell will be the new champion for social sciences is very welcome indeed.

“Christina’s comments about the ‘perfect storm’ of issues faced by society hit the mark precisely. She has such a wealth of experience in the interface between research and policy – most recently shown by her contributions to the RSE’s research-policy exchange work – so she is perfectly positioned to champion the cause for social sciences.

“On behalf of the RSE I wish her all the very best as she embarks on this next challenge.”