IOE academics join British Academy’s fellowship and governing body

The British Academy, founded in 1902, is the UK’s national academy for the humanities and social sciences, and brings together over 1,600 leading minds in these subjects from the UK and overseas. It is also a funding body for national and international research, as well as a forum for debate and engagement.

The Council is the governing body of the British Academy and is made up of 15 ordinary members, as well as the President and Vice-Presidents.

Professor Louise Archer leads the STEM Participation and Social Justice research group at IOE. She is globally recognised for her research on educational identities and inequalities, explicating how and why (gender, ethnic and social class) inequalities in science participation operate and are so resistant to change. This includes the longitudinal research project ASPIRES, following young people’s study and career plans from age 10 to 23. Her work has gone on to transform science education policy and practice among teachers, STEM  (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) organisations and informal STEM educators around the world. 

She said: "I am delighted and honoured to be elected as a fellow of the British Academy. I want to thank and recognise all our wonderful team members, policy and practice partners and the young people who contribute to the success and impact of our research – research is always a team effort!"

Professor Li Wei has been IOE’s Director and Dean since July 2021. He is a world-leading scholar in the field of applied linguistics and language education. His work explores language socialisation and intergenerational communication, the development and education of bilingual and multilingual children, and the cognitive and socio-cultural impact of learning multiple languages. 

Professor Li Wei added: “I am honoured to have been appointed to the Academy’s governing council, and look forward to advancing the learned society’s work in support of the SHAPE (Social Sciences, Humanities and the Arts for People and the Economy) disciplines and their contribution to societal wellbeing. I am equally delighted that the work of my IOE colleague, Professor Louise Archer, has been recognised through fellowship of the British Academy.

"Among many other profound contributions to education, Louise’s concept of ‘science capital’ has transformed how policy makers, teachers and science museums and centres alike think about STEM education, to the benefit of countless young people. Her work provides an exemplar of research-informed innovation in education, in support of both inclusion and excellence.” 

Other UCL academics to be elected Fellow and Honorary Fellow are Professor Wendy Carlin (UCL Economics) and Professor Philippe Sands (UCL Laws) respectively.  

They are among 86 new British Academy Fellows to have been elected this year, showcasing the breadth and depth of humanities and social sciences research. 

Professor Julia Black, President of the British Academy, said: “It is with great pleasure that we welcome yet another outstanding cohort to the Academy’s Fellowship. The scope of research and expertise on display across our newly elected UK, Corresponding and Honorary Fellows shows the breadth and depth of knowledge and insight held by the British Academy and which we work hard to harness to help shape the world.  

"With the vast expertise and wide-ranging insights brought by our new Fellows, the Academy continues to showcase the importance of the SHAPE disciplines in opening fresh seams of knowledge and understanding, while simultaneously advancing the well-being and prosperity of societies worldwide. I wholeheartedly congratulate each of our new Fellows on this achievement and look forward to working together." 

Links

• Read about all newly elected Fellows from UCL
• Q&A with Professor Li Wei
• Q&A with Professor Louise Archer
• The British Academy

Images

Left: Professor Louise Archer.

Right: Professor Li Wei – credit: John Cobb for UCL IOE