A University of Aberdeen academic has been elected a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences.
Professor Natasha Mauthner, Professor of Social Science Philosophy and Method at the University of Aberdeen Business School, is a key figure in the development of critical social science through methodological innovation, in particular qualitative research.
Professor Mauthner was one of 69 leading social scientists to be named a Fellow of the academy last week.
New Fellows are drawn from academics, practitioners and policymakers across the social sciences. They have been recognised after an extensive peer review process for the excellence and impact of their work through the use of social science for public benefit. This includes substantial contributions and leadership in various fields, including higher education, social, economic and environmental policy, government, law, charitable foundations and think tanks.
Professor Mauthner commented: “I feel very honoured to be elected to the Academy of Social Sciences, an award that would not have been possible without support from my family and wonderful colleagues over the years.
“My work investigates the methodological tools, infrastructures and practices that are an invisible yet indispensable part of the creation of knowledge: data collection and analysis methods in the social sciences; divisions of labour within research teams; research ethics guidelines and protocols; and mental health diagnostic tools and screening devices.
“A major focus of my current work are the norms and values embedded within data archiving and sharing infrastructures and practices in the social sciences, and their philosophical, moral and political effects.”
Announcing the conferment, Professor Roger Goodman FAcSS, Chair of the Academy said:
“Each new distinguished Fellow has been recognised for their outstanding and impactful contributions in their respective fields, and will prove invaluable additions to the range of expertise within the Academy.
“This speaks not only to the power and scope of the social sciences to address the big issues of our time, but also to the growing depth and breadth of representation within the Academy as the voice of the social science community as a whole.”