Charles Lees joins the Department of Politics, Languages & International Studies as Professor of Politics.
He joins Bath from the University of Sheffield, where he worked for eight years as senior lecturer in politics. He specialises in comparative politics and policy including political parties and party systems, coalition government and environmental politics and policy.
Speaking about his move to Bath, Professor Lees said: “I was drawn to Bath because of its academic reputation and the quality of life that it offers.
“I think the University’s scale is one of its key advantages. It has a strong research core but the scale is very human and its management structures far less bureaucratic than many universities. If you’re in any way entrepreneurial and want to make your mark, it’s easier to do it in a fleet of foot institution like Bath.
“Bath has a strong reputation for its teaching and research in European politics, with a move now to have a wider international focus. There is a sense that this is a growing department that’s going places. The students are first rate and highly motivated.
“I’m a visiting fellow at universities in the UK and internationally and I’ve been a consultant to political parties and governments around the world including the Australian Labor Party, the Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand and the Scottish Executive.
“I’m currently co-authoring books on multi-level governance in South-East Europe, Australian politics and European politics.
“The campus at Bath has been fantastically maintained, from great planting to good food outlets and impressive sports facilities – I enjoy a swim every morning.
“At the moment I’m commuting from London on a weekly basis but I plan to move my family here, particularly as the schooling is so good. Bath allows you to enjoy a taste of the countryside with the benefits of a bohemian city that in many ways is very cosmopolitan.”
Professor Lees was an undergraduate at Thames Valley University and then studied at the University of Essex and the University of Birmingham. He taught at the University of Sussex before taking up his role at Sheffield.