Drugs policy expert recognized by Academy of Social Sciences

A Swansea University academic has been honoured for his long-standing contribution to social science.

David Bewley-Taylor, Professor of International Relations and Public Policy in the School of Social Sciences, has been elected to the Fellowship of the Academy of Social Sciences.

Founding Director of the Global Drug Policy Observatory, since his appointment at Swansea he has been visiting faculty at universities in the USA, Australia, Hungary, India, Hong Kong, and mainland China. David is currently an Honorary Professor in the Department of Criminology at the University of Manchester and a Fellow of the Centre for Criminology at the University of Hong Kong.

While engaging with a wide range of drug policy issues, his interdisciplinary research focuses predominantly on global governance, the United Nations and international drug control policy.

Professor Bewley-Taylor said: “I feel honoured to become a Fellow of the Academy, and join such a distinguished group of scholars, policymakers and practitioners, including those working within the thriving Social Sciences community here at Swansea.”

He is among 47 academics whose work spans a variety of research areas who have been appointed by the Academy.

President of the Academy Will Hutton said: “Throughout their careers so far, they have furthered our understanding, and made practical contributions, in a range of areas including improving the lives of children and adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa, post-conflict educational reforms and the role of education in peacebuilding and working with planning authorities to value ecosystem services.”

The Academy’s Fellowship comprises more than 1,500 leading social scientists from academia, the public, private and third sectors. All Fellows are selected through an independent peer review which recognises their excellence and impact, including their wider contributions to social sciences for public benefit.