RSE Fellow elected President of the British Academy

Social and economic geographer Professor Susan J Smith FRSE has been elected as President of the British Academy, beginning her four-year term on Thursday, 17 July.

Professor Smith is Emerita Honorary Professor of Social and Economic Geography at the University of Cambridge where she is also a Life Fellow (formerly Mistress) at Girton College. She was made a Fellow of the RSE in 2000.

Speaking to the British Academy about her election, Professor Smith said: “I am honoured to serve as the thirty second President of the British Academy, and delighted that my first formal undertaking was to propose a heartfelt vote of thanks to my predecessor, Professor Dame Julia Black. The legacy of her inspirational leadership and tireless energy is no less than a thoroughly modern Academy of immense public relevance – a trusted source of original thinking, reliable evidence and big ideas.”

Professor Smith also spoke of her excitement at the Academy’s next steps, expanding grant activities, support for young scholars and extending global reach and policy work.

Professor Smith acknowledged the pressing times for social sciences and studies of the humanities, which put scholars under more pressure and risks compromising research capacity.

She added: “It should be no surprise that I am deeply committed to challenging these trends. What could be more important than improving lives, averting the risk of catastrophe and building sustainable futures? Those are just some of the imperatives that the Academy’s work engages with.

“The present is already losing out, but the future is unimaginable and unattainable, without a flourishing agenda for the humanities and social sciences. In a fractured and uncertain world, recognizing, supporting, celebrating and applying the value of our subjects in the broadest possible way has never been more important. That is what I hope my Presidency will be about.”

The news of Professor Smith’s election comes just months after the RSE’s new President Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli PRSE took on his role.

Sir Anton said: “I would like to offer Professor Susan J Smith my congratulations on behalf of all the Fellows and staff of the Royal Society of Edinburgh as she takes up her position as President of the British Academy.

“Susan is one of the most distinguished academics in her field, having contributed to both human geography and to the interdisciplinary area of housing studies. In particular she has focused on the importance of inequalities in housing, which is a crucial issue in today’s society. We were delighted that Susan was elected as a Fellow of the RSE in 2000 for her major academic contributions.

“I would also like to congratulate the British Academy on electing Professor Smith as they embark on the next four years.”