Professor Sascha Becker welcomed as new Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences

Professor Sascha Becker is one of 45 new Fellows appointed this week to the Academy of Social Sciences in recognition of his excellence in research and his significant contributions outside the academic world.

A small number of fellows are elected each year by the Academy to highlight the importance, breadth and relevance of the social sciences to understanding and tackling the varied challenges facing society today.

Professor Becker, who has recently returned to the Department of Economics after several years as the Xiaokai Yang Chair of Business and Economics at Monash University, Melbourne, works on labour economics, political economy and economic history. He recently published on forced migration, genocides, the legacy of the Hapsburg Empire and the persecution of Jewish academics in Nazi Germany.

Commenting on his Fellowship, Professor Becker said:

“I feel honoured to be named a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences.

“I would like to pass on thanks to the colleagues who nominated me and the Fellows who elected me into the Academy.

“Social sciences are key to understanding the past, present and future of our societies and the Academy champions the vital role social sciences play in education, government and business."

Will Hutton FAcSS, President of the Academy, said, “It’s a pleasure to welcome these 45 leading social scientists to the Academy’s Fellowship. We look forward to working with them to further promote the important role the social sciences play in our daily lives.”

The Academy's Fellowship comprises 1,600 leading social scientists from academia, the public, private and third sectors. Their expertise covers the breadth of the social sciences, and their practice and research addresses some of the major challenges facing communities, society, places and economies.

All Academy 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.