Shaping Australia’s policy and future: Academy announces 20 distinguished social science leaders as 2024 Fellows
The Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia has announced the election of 20 new Fellows. These scholars have made outstanding contributions across a diverse range of fields, including early childhood mental health, gender equity, Indigenous studies and economic policy.
Each year, the Academy honours individuals who have demonstrated excellence in social science research, innovative thinking and a commitment to advancing knowledge that shapes policy and societal wellbeing.
This year’s cohort exemplifies the Academy’s mission to support and amplify the voices of researchers working on the most critical issues facing Australia and the world.
Professor Richard Holden, President of the Academy, expressed his admiration for the new Fellows, saying, “The appointment of these scholars to the Academy is a recognition of their remarkable contributions to the social sciences. Their work—whether it be in public health, education, environmental sustainability or Indigenous research—addresses the pressing challenges we face as a society. We are incredibly proud to welcome them to the Academy.”
Professor Holden continued, “These Fellows bring fresh insights and diverse perspectives that are essential for driving innovative solutions and influencing policy. Their expertise spans a wide array of disciplines, reflecting the depth and diversity of the social sciences in Australia.”
The Academy’s rigorous election process ensures that only those who have demonstrated exceptional scholarship and impact are invited to join as Fellows. They are leaders in research, educators and public intellectuals who are shaping policy, enhancing public understanding and contributing to meaningful change.
“The Academy takes pride in nurturing Australia’s most talented social scientists,” said Professor Holden. “Our new Fellows are not only leaders in their respective fields but are also committed to advancing public discourse and fostering a more informed society. Their appointment signifies our continued dedication to recognising and celebrating excellence in the social sciences.”
The newly elected Fellows for 2024 are:
Australian Capital Territory
Professor Genevieve Bell AO FTSE FAHA FASSA | Sector leader and pioneer in technology and society | Vice Chancellor, Australian National University
Professor Paul Burke FASSA | Specialist in energy and environmental economics | Head, Arndt-Corden Department of Economics and Deputy Director, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University
Professor Helen Sullivan FASSA | Political science and public policy specialist | Dean, ANU College of Asia and the Pacific, Australian National University
New South Wales
Professor Lyria Bennett Moses FASSA | Specialist in technology and law | Professor and Head, School of Law, Society and Criminology, University of New South Wales
Professor Rae Cooper AO FASSA | Leader in gender, work and employment relations | Director, The Australian Centre for Gender Equality and Inclusion @ Work, The University of Sydney
Professor Christopher Pettit FASSA | Urban planning pioneer | Director, City Futures Research Centre, University of New South Wales
Professor Olivier Piguet FASSA | Cognitive neuropsychology and dementia expert | Director, FRONTIER frontotemporal dementia research group, The University of Sydney
Queensland
Professor Paula Jarzabkowski FASSA | Strategic management pioneer | Lead, Practice and Process Research Hub, University of Queensland
Professor Greg Marston FASSA | Expert in social justice and equity | Director, Centre for Policy Futures, University of Queensland
Emeritus Professor Aileen Moreton-Robinson FASSA | Indigenous research pioneer | Elder Scholar, ARC Centre of Research Excellence for Indigenous Futures, The University of Queensland
South Australia
Emeritus Professor Barbara Comber AM FASSA | Expert in literacy development, teaching and social justice | Research Professor, Education Futures, University of South Australia
Professor Penelope Edmonds FASSA | Leader and innovator in empire, colonialism and heritage studies | Matthew Flinders Professor, History, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, Flinders University
Professor Andrew Stewart FASSA | Expert in labour and industrial relations law | John Bray Professor of Law, University of Adelaide
Victoria
Professor Judith Bessant AM FASSA | Sociology, politics and youth studies expert | Professor, College of Design and Social Context, RMIT
Professor Rob Raven FASSA | Sustainability, innovation and governance guru | Professor and Deputy Director, Monash Sustainable Development Institute, Monash University
Professor Nicola Reavley FASSA | Expert in population mental health, early intervention and social inclusion | Principal Research Fellow and Deputy Director, Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne
Professor Neil Selwyn FASSA | Leader in digital education integration | Professor, Faculty of Education, Monash University
Professor Joo-Cheong Tham FASSA | Legal specialist in labour and public law | Professor, Melbourne Law School, The University of Melbourne
Professor Dan Woodman FASSA | Social science champion and specialist in youth studies | TR Ashworth Professor of Sociology, School of Social and Political Sciences, The University of Melbourne
Professor Erte Xiao FASSA | Expert in economic decision making | Professor, Department of Economics, Monash University