University of Birmingham academics become Fellows of the Academy of Social Sciences

Professor Nando Sigona and Professor Pervez Ghauri are two of 45 new Fellows elected to the Academy this autumn.

The Academy’s Fellowship comprises 1,600 leading social scientists from academia, the public, private and third sectors, whose expertise covers the breadth of the social sciences, and practice and research addresses some of the major challenges facing communities, society, places and economies today.

Professor Nando Sigona is Professor of International Migration and Forced Displacement at the University of Birmingham, and Director of the Institute for Research into International Migration and Superdiversity (IRIS). His research interests include irregular migration, statelessness, youth and family migration, Romani politics and anti-Gypsyism, asylum in Europe and the Mediterranean region, intra-EU mobility and the making of EU citizenship.

Professor Sigona said: "I am deeply honoured to be elected as a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences. This recognition highlights the importance of migration and refugee studies in addressing key social issues, such as the rise of far-right populism and anti-migration sentiments, which threaten social cohesion and human rights, particularly for migrants and refugees. I look forward to supporting the Academy's work in advancing understanding of these issues and promoting a more just and informed society."

Pervez Ghauri is Professor of International Business at Birmingham Business School. His current research includes the MNEDEVELOP project, which examines how Multinationals from advanced markets can contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by creatively serving disadvantaged communities in emerging markets and creating competitive advantage at the same time.

Professor Ghauri commented: “I feel honoured and energised to do work within the social sciences. To join this prestigious group of Fellows makes me feel appreciated and encouraged. I am truly excited for being recognised."

The Birmingham professors join a cohort of new Fellows elected from 34 UK organisations, comprising 31 Higher Education Institutions, as well as think tanks, non-profits and businesses.  

All Academy Fellows are elected through an independent peer review, for their excellence in their fields and their substantial contributions to social science for public benefit.