UCL academic elected to Academy of Social Sciences

Professor Jim Watson (UCL Bartlett School of Environment, Energy & Resources) has been made a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in recognition of the excellence and impact of his work using social science for public benefit. The Academy of Social Sciences is the national academy of nearly 90,000 social scientists. Its mission is to promote social science in the UK for the public benefit, focusing on a multidisciplinary approach to both theoretical and applied work. Professor Watson, who is Professor of Energy Policy at the UCL Institute for Sustainable Resources (UCL ISR), is among 65 leading social scientists to have been elected to the Fellowship of the Academy this year. As Director of the UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) since 2015, Professor Watson leads teams of social scientists, engineers and natural scientists carrying out interdisciplinary research on the transition to a net zero energy system. As a social scientist who initially trained as an engineer, he brings an interdisciplinary approach to the challenges facing the planet's energy systems, ensuring social science perspectives are recognised alongside those of physical and natural sciences. He has served as a specialist adviser to several parliamentary committees and government departments on energy, climate change and innovation policy.