Prof Richard Mole appointed as next Director of SSEES

We're delighted to announce that Professor Richard Mole has been appointed as the new Director of SSEES, to start 1 September 2023.

Richard joined SSEES in 2004 as Lecturer in the Politics of Central Europe, was promoted to Senior Lecturer in Political Sociology in 2010 and to Professor of Political Sociology in 2019. From 2017-19 and 2021-22 he has served as Deputy Director. He has led on multi-million pound funded research projects (most recently FATIGUE and POPREBEL); served as Director of the IMESS programme; supervised dozens of PhD students to completion and is a popular teacher amongst both undergraduates and postgraduates. His instrinsic knowledge of area studies, SSEES, and wider UCL will stand him in excellent stead for the opportunities and challenges ahead.

On his appointment, Richard states: "I am absolutely delighted to have been selected to be the next Director of SSEES. The need for in-depth Area Studies expertise is as acute as ever and I am excited to work with all my colleagues to enhance and showcase the amazing teaching and research we do at the School."

Current Director, Prof Diane P. Koenker says: "I know that Richard will do a brilliant job as SSEES Director. The School has already benefited from his outstanding contributions as researcher and teacher, and he brings a wealth of experience in many leadership roles both internal and external"

Dean of Arts and Humanities, Professor Stella Bruzzi comments: 'Im very much looking forward to working with him from 1 September 2023 and supporting him in implementing his exciting vision for the future of SSEES".

Richard will assume the role of Director for a period of 5 years.

• Professor Richard Mole's Profile