Birkbeck University Of London’s Expert Elected As Fellow Of The Academy Of Social Sciences

Karen Wells, Professor of International Development and Childhood Studies at Birkbeck, is part of a wider group of leading social scientists from around the world who have been announced as Fellows of the Academy of Social Sciences this spring.

The Academy of Social Sciences is the national academy of academics, practitioners and learned societies in the social sciences. Elected for their exceptional efforts to tackle the some of the most pressing challenges facing our society and the world, Fellows are made up of distinguished individuals from academic, public, private and third sectors across the full spectrum of the social sciences. 

Professor Wells has over twenty years of experience in research on childhood in developing countries. Her current research, funded by the British Academy, explores children’s language learning in Ethiopia, and the culture and learning of young children in West African farming and craft communities. The Visual Cultures of Childhood, Professor Wells’ latest book, examines how children are depicted in imagery used for social reform.

Professor Wells commented, “I am so pleased to be elected a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in recognition of my contribution to Critical Childhood Studies at its intersection with International Development.”

Will Hutton FAcSS, President, Academy of Social Sciences added: “The Academy of Social Sciences is delighted to welcome an excellent range of highly distinguished social scientists from Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, England, and beyond. As the work of social science becomes ever more important, we look forward to engaging with them in 2023.”

Professor Karen Wells joins 11 Birkbeck academics and Emeritus Professors who are Fellows of the Academy of Social Sciences.