Professor Sonia Bhalotra elected to Fellowship of the British Academy

Professor Sonia Bhalotra elected to Fellowship of the British Academy

Professor Sonia Bhalotra is one of three University of Warwick academics to have been elected as Fellows of the British Academy, in recognition of the originality and influence of their research in the humanities and social sciences.

The British Academy is the UK's national academy for the humanities and social sciences. Its Fellowship recognises scholars whose research has made a substantial contribution to their discipline and to wider society.

92 new fellows have been elected this year.

Announcing the news, Professor Susan J. Smith PBA, President of the British Academy, said: “I am delighted to welcome our newest Fellows to the British Academy. Each has made an outstanding contribution to their field, and together they reflect the remarkable breadth and depth of scholarship across our disciplines.

"Our new fellows join a community of scholars with unparalleled expertise, dedicated to advancing research, fostering collaboration across disciplines and demonstrating the value of the humanities and social sciences. I am proud to give my warmest congratulations to them all on their election today.”

Professor Bhalotra said: "I am honoured to have been elected a Fellow of the British Academy. My research seeks to understand why some people do not fulfil their potential, with a particular focus on women and children. It investigates how markets, technology, social norms, law, and political and corporate leadership shape people’s opportunities. I hope this recognition highlights the importance of bringing rigorous empirical evidence to questions of profound social significance."

Congratulating Professor Bhalotra on her award, Head of Department Professor Jeremy Smith said: "Professor Sonia Bhalotra’s election to the British Academy is a tremendous achievement and reflects a career dedicated to excellence, innovation and impact. Sonia’s research has shaped understanding of some of the most important economic and social challenges facing societies today. We are thrilled to see her contribution recognised through this distinguished fellowship."

Professor Bhalotra joins Warwick Economics colleagues Professor Peter Hammond, Professor Mark Harrison, and Professor Kenneth Wallis in the Academy.

Professor Kirsty Hooper, Professor of Hispanic Studies, and Professor Celia Lury, Professor in the Centre for Interdisciplinary Methodologies, have also been awarded Fellowships this year.

• Read the full British Academy announcement here: 92 New Fellows welcomed to the British Academy in 2026