Professor Benjamin Lauderdale appointed as Head of Department for Political Science

Ben is a political scientist with a truly excellent research reputation, who has contributed very significantly to the development of the UCL Political Science Department since his appointment in 2019. From 2011-2018 he worked at the London School of Economics, has been a Senior Data Science Advisor to YouGov since 2016, and was previously an Associate Editor of the American Political Science Review (2016-2020). His research is focused on the measurement of political preferences from survey, voting, network and text data.

“I am excited to be taking over as Head of Department of Political Science at the beginning of October.  Jennifer Hudson, our outgoing HoD, has provided an inspiring model of departmental leadership, guiding us through significant expansion under extraordinarily difficult circumstances over the past years.  I think that our colleagues in the department are rightly proud of the quality of teaching that we have been able to deliver, while maintaining the collegiality and vibrant research environment for which we are increasingly widely recognised beyond this university. I am looking forward to building on these strengths in the coming years and to welcoming those who are now joining the department.”

Ben will take over from current Head of Department, Professor Jennifer Hudson, when she assumes her position as Deputy Dean for Social & Historical Sciences from 1 October 2021 for three years.