Professor Mark Scott elected to Fellowship of Academy of Social Sciences

(opens in a new window)The Academy of Social Sciences has elected (opens in a new window)Professor Mark Scott as its newest Fellow.

The Professor of Planning and Dean of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy, University College Dublin was (opens in a new window)among 45 leading social scientists elevated by the UK body.

A representative body for social sciences in the United Kingdom, the Academy promotes social science through its sponsorship of the Campaign for Social Science, its links with Government on a variety of matters, and its own policy work.

Spanning a range of research and practice areas including urban governance and public policy, hunger and food insecurity, and migration and forced displacement, its newly elected Fellows highlight the relevance of the social sciences to understanding and tackling the varied challenges facing society today. 

This is according to Will Hutton, President of the Academy, who said each of the new Fellows had made “substantial contributions to social science and wider society”.

“[They] have furthered our understanding of the social and environmental factors related to population health, changing cultures of inequality, children and young people’s experiences of gaming and gambling, the importance of diversity and inclusion in organisations, and how businesses can contribute to the sustainable development goals, amongst many others. 

“We look forward to working with them to further promote the important role the social sciences play in our daily lives,” he added.

With over 25 years of university teaching experience, Professor Scott has focused his research and teaching on the environmental and sustainability dimensions of spatial planning theory and practice, specifically related to rural planning, land-use governance, climate action, green infrastructure and green space, and natural and built heritage. 

He was appointed to the Board of the Heritage Council in 2023. This public body is tasked with developing a wide understanding of the vital contribution that heritage makes to social, environmental and economic well-being. 

He has also acted as an advisor on spatial planning to the OECD, the Oireachtas, the Northern Ireland Assembly, the UK’s House of Lords, and various regional and local planning authorities.
Professor Scott has published extensively in these areas with over 120 journal articles and book chapters.

“Social science plays a critical role in advancing the evidence-base for effective place-based policies,” he said, speaking on his elevation to Fellow.

“I'm delighted to become a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences and look forward to supporting the work of the Academy and to promoting the voice of social scientists in policy making.

The Academy of Social Sciences’ Fellowship comprises 1,600 leading social scientists from academia, the public, private and third sectors. 

Its latest cohort was drawn from 34 organisations, comprising 31 Higher Education Institutions, as well as think tanks, non-profits and business.

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.

By: David Kearns, Digital Journalist / Media Officer, UCD University Relations

To contact the UCD News & Content Team, email: newsdesk@ucd.ie