Individual social scientists are conferred the title by virtue of their eminence. Members are elected for life and designate themselves through the use of the letters AcSS after their names.

Professor Ray Forrest’s research interests focus on the role and meaning of neighbourhood in the contemporary city; housing markets, the macro economy and globalisation; housing policy and social inequalities.

Professor Mark Wickham-Jones’ central research interest lies in labour politics and social democracy, with a focus on the development of the Labour Party over the last 25 years.

Professor Judith Squires, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Law, said: ‘As well as being a great personal distinction for Ray Forrest and Mark Wickham-Jones, this is a further reflection of the University’s excellence in research and continues the success the University has had in recent years. 

‘Social sciences have an increasingly vital role to play in society today.’

This latest award brings to 15 the number of current Bristol academics whose work in the field of social science has been honoured in this way. Others who have previously been awarded the title AcSS include Emeritus Professor Bernard Alford (Historical Studies), Professor Terrell Carver (Politics), Professor Guy Claxton (Graduate School of Education), Professor Michael Crossley (Graduate School of Education), Visiting Professor Rosemary Deem (Graduate School of Education), Emeritus Professor Malcolm Johnson (Policy Studies), Professor Kelvyn Jones (Geographical Sciences), Emeritus Professor Hilary Land (Policy Studies), Emeritus Professor Richard Little (Politics), Professor Gregor McLennan (Sociology), Professor Roger Middleton (Historical Studies), Professor Tariq Modood (Sociology) and Professor Judith Squires (Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Law).