Professor O’Brien was one of 51 leading social scientists who have been elected for their outstanding contributions to research and the application of social science across policy, education, society and the economy.
Based in the IOE’s Department of Social Science, Professor O’Brien is the Director of the Thomas Coram Research Unit (TCRU). TCRU has led research into children, parenting and families since 1973.
Her research examines fathers, work and family life, with a policy and parenting support focus. She seeks to understand how fathers and mothers can work and care together for the welfare of children and gender equality.
The Academy of Social Sciences is the national academy of academics, learned societies and practitioners in the social sciences. Its mission is to promote social science in the United Kingdom for the public benefit.
Professor Roger Goodman, President of the Academy of Social Sciences, said:
“We are immensely proud to welcome 51 new Fellows to the Academy who are so highly accomplished in their fields. They have been selected following a robust review by their peers and have been recognised for the excellence of their work and its applications in academia, business and the public sector.
“Over the course of their careers they have surpassed the normal requirements of their positions and many have used social sciences to deliver public benefit in the realms of social, economic and environmental policy, and in higher education, regional development, government and law. I offer our new Fellows my sincerest congratulations and look forward to collaborating with them to take forward the Academy’s ambitions.”