Tess Ridge, Professor of Social Policy, has been made an Academician by the Academy of Social Sciences.

Professor Ridge is one of 900 Academicians, all distinguished scholars and practitioners from academia and the public and private sectors, selected by a peer group for the standing and impact of their work.

Professor Ridge’s main research interests lie in childhood poverty and social exclusion, particularly exploring children’s own perspectives on poverty and disadvantage.

Her research has had an impact on policy development and legislation at local, national and international levels, including the Child Poverty Act, and has informed the thinking and priorities of child poverty lobby groups and NGOs.

She is currently working closely with The Children's Society to develop a new and innovative longitudinal study of childhood poverty that will explore the experience of contemporary low-income childhoods over time, from the child’s perspective.

Professor Ridge said: “I am delighted that my work has been recognised by the Academy of Social Sciences. I am honoured to receive the prestigious award of Academician and to be included among such a distinguished group of academics whose work has been similarly recognised.”

Professor Jane Millar, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) who recently worked with Professor Ridge to study the experiences of children and their mothers in low income lone-mother households, said: “This is a significant recognition of the contribution that Tess has made to research and policy. I personally have gained a lot from working with her – she is a generous and perceptive scholar.”