A University of Aberdeen academic is one of 64 outstanding social scientists being welcomed to The Academy of Social Sciences Fellowship this spring.
Professor Muhammad Azizul Islam, chair in accountancy and professor in sustainability accounting and transparency and director of research for accounting at the University of Aberdeen Business School, was named as one of the new Fellows in an announcement from The Academy of Social Sciences today (April 1).
Widely recognised internationally, Professor Islam investigates sustainability accounting and transparency issues, including corporate human rights measures, modern slavery disclosures, climate change accounting, social audits, and corporate anti-bribery measures.
Spanning a range of research and practice areas including modern slavery, health inequalities, the gender wage gap, European cybersecurity governance, AI and big data analytics, and the anthropology of Britain, the Academy’s newly elected Fellows highlight the importance, breadth and relevance of the social sciences to understanding and tackling the varied challenges facing society today. As well as excellence in research and applied professional use of social science, the new Fellows, who are drawn from a variety of backgrounds, disciplines and professions, are individual who have also made significant contributions beyond the academy, including to industry, policy and higher education.
Professor Islam said: “It is truly an honour to be elected to the Fellowship.
“Being a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences holds significant meaning for a researcher like me who is deeply committed to addressing social issues such as modern slavery, exploitation and inequality through my research and teaching. Being a Fellow provides me with a platform to further collaborate with other leading social scientists, share my research findings, influence policymakers, and advocate for systemic changes that prioritise human rights and the social responsibility of businesses.”
Will Hutton FAcSS, President of the Academy, said: “I’m delighted to welcome these 64 outstanding social scientists to the Academy’s Fellowship, whose research and practice are helping to develop solutions to pressing societal issues. From informing decision-making around environmental challenges and encouraging entrepreneurial growth to improving planning systems and tackling educational inequalities, their insights, skills and understanding are delivering positive impact to improve our daily lives.”
The Academy’s Fellowship comprises 1,600 leading social scientists from academia, the public, private and third sectors. Its Fellows’ expertise covers the breadth of the social sciences, and their practice and research addresses some of the major challenges facing communities, society, places and economies. All Academy Fellows are elected for their excellence in their fields and their substantial contributions to social science for public benefit. Selection is through an independent peer review which recognises their excellence and impact.