Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences

Bangor University has its second ever Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences with the  awarding of a Fellowship to Howard Davis, Professor of Social Theory & Institutions at the School of History, Philosophy and Social Science.

Professor Davis’ citation reads:

“His ground-breaking sociology has made important contributions to our understanding of identity, language and culture.”

Interim Vice-Chancellor Professor Graham Upton commented:

“Becoming a Fellow of such a prestigious organisation is a mark of the importance of Professor Davis’ research output. We thank him for his valued contribution to his field and congratulate him on this significant recognition.”

Dr Peter Shapely. Head of the School of History, Philosophy & Social Science greeted the news saying:

“The School is delighted with the news of Professor Davis’ award of Fellowship of the Academy of Social Sciences. It is a thoroughly deserved recognition of his broad contribution to the discipline as well as to his role in its development under his leadership at Bangor. Everyone in the School would like to convey their warmest congratulations to Howard on being granted this prestigious honour.”

Howard Davis was appointed Professor of Social Theory and Institutions at Bangor University in 1997 and was Head of the School of Social Sciences from 1999-2007.  He worked previously at the universities of Kent and Glasgow, where he was a founder member of the Glasgow Media Group. From 2008- 2018 he was Co-Director of the Wales Institute for Social & Economic Research, Data & Methods (WISERD).

His main areas of research are social theories of culture and creativity; cultural formations and transitions in post-Soviet societies; social identities at local, national and international levels and research methods for the sociological analysis of culture, language and identities.  His most recent project is part of WISERD’s Civil Society  research stream, and examines experiences of participation at the local level and their implications for civic exclusion and expansion.

Prof Davis is among 73 leading social scientists being received as Fellows and joins Professor Bob Woods, recently retired Emeritus Professor at the School of Health Sciences and an expert in dementia and ageing, who also received the title.

The Academy of Social Sciences is the national academy of academics, learned societies and practitioners in the social sciences. Fellows are distinguished scholars and practitioners from academia and the public and private sectors. The Academy also sponsors the Campaign for Social Science.

Publication date: 5 April 2019