Fellowship honour for pioneering Brighton social scientist

Professor Jaspal studied at the University of Cambridge, University of Surrey and Royal Holloway, University of London, and held senior roles at institutions in both the UK and Finland before becoming University of Brighton's Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research & Knowledge Exchange) in 2021.

Highlights from previous roles include setting up the Minority Research Profile at Åbo Akademi University in Finland, and founding the Identity Change Research Group at Nottingham Trent University.

Professor Jaspal's research explores both psychology and public health, focusing particularly on social psychological approaches to promoting good health outcomes - especially in minority groups. He helped developed the Health Adversity Risk Model to shed light on the impact of social and psychological stress on health outcomes, and was on the working group that produced the UK’s first clinical recommendations for integrated sexual health services for trans people in 2018. In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Rusi Jaspal acted as Social Isolation Advisor to Wandsworth Borough Council in London.

Professor Rusi Jaspal

Rusi Jaspal has also made key contributions to the development of Identity Process Theory, providing insights into topics including psychological well-being among gay men, the management of identities in conflict, and national identity.

“It is a privilege to have been made a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences and I am delighted that the Academy has decided to recognise my work in this way,” said Professor Jaspal. “I am deeply committed to developing methods, theory and practice in the social sciences because I believe our disciplines play a central role in addressing some of the biggest challenges we face as a society. I greatly look forward to working with the Academy and the community of Fellows to effect change and make a positive difference.”

The Academy of Social Sciences brings together leading professionals in the social sciences, including both academics and practitioners drawn from other sectors. Its roles include raising the profile of social sciences with government and policy audiences, and highlighting the significant contributions that research and practice in the social sciences make to society, the economy, environment and well-being – including engagement carried out under the banner of the Campaign for Social Science.