Professor Jennifer Hudson appointed as Dean of the UCL Faculty of Social and Historical Sciences

Professor Jennifer Hudson is currently Professor of Political Behaviour, Deputy Dean, UCL Faculty of Social and Historical Sciences and Acting Vice-Dean for Equality, Diversity & Inclusion at UCL. She is also the Director of the Development Engagement Lab (DEL), a multi-country research programme working in partnership with over 30 international development NGOs and government ministries to analyse and understand public support for aid and sustainable development.  

She has published widely on elite and mass political behaviour, including public opinion and engagement with development, support for foreign aid, and campaigns and elections. Professor Hudson’s research has been funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), Danish Council for Independent Research, Nuffield Foundation and Leverhulme Trust.

Professor Hudson commented:

“I am honoured to be appointed Executive Dean for the Faculty of Social and Historical Sciences at UCL, one of the best universities in the world. It will be a privilege to work alongside an incredibly talented group of academic, teaching, and professional services colleagues. 

“As Dean, I look forward to further developing our transformative and impactful research and education programmes, as well as the Faculty’s strategic initiatives in social data science, policy, environment, and health.  

“I would like to extend my thanks to Professor Sasha Roseneil for her outstanding leadership of the Faculty over the past four years. Supporting colleagues to deliver their best work in an environment that reflects UCL’s values, focusing on our internal enablers, and deepening our relationships across UCL and with external partners will be key priorities of my work as Dean.”  

Dr Michael Spence, UCL President and Provost, commented: 

 “I would like to congratulate Jennifer on her appointment to Dean of Social and Historical Sciences. Jennifer is a tremendous appointment who has championed an environment for excellence in both academia and research in her capacities as a Professor of Political Behaviour and in her role as Deputy Dean and Acting Vice-Dean for Equality, Diversity & Inclusion at UCL.  

I know Jennifer has a fantastic vision for the Faculty and I look forward to working with her to help further grow and develop the Faculty of Social and Historical Sciences.”