Professors Rebecca Surender and Paul Irwin Crookes join Social Sciences Leadership Team

The Social Sciences Division is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Rebecca Surender as Associate Head of Division (Graduate and Research Training) and Professor Paul Irwin Crookes as Associate Head of Division (Education). 

Professor Paul Irwin Crookes, from the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies (OSGA) has been appointed as Associate Head of Division (Education). The position provides strategic leadership for all aspects of Social Sciences educational provision, from admissions and access to teaching, learning and assessment policy. Paul is Associate Professor of Contemporary China Studies, Director of Graduate Studies and Director of Contemporary China Studies at OSGA. He specialises in Contemporary China Studies. His research interests centre on International Relations and Political Economy. Paul joins the divisional team immediately. 

Professor Paul Irwin Crookes said:

I am very much looking forward to joining the Social Sciences Division team under Tim Power's leadership, and to working with both divisional and departmental colleagues to deliver the very best education experience for all our students. I want to build on the progress already made with a number of important initiatives, including widening access to our world-leading courses and promoting diversity in our admissions processes, as well as taking forward new opportunities to engage in the University's digital education strategy and the further development of inclusive teaching approaches.

Professor Rebecca Surender, from the Department of Social Policy and Intervention (DPSI), has been appointed to the position of Associate Head of Division (Graduate and Research Training). The position provides strategic leadership for all aspects of Social Sciences graduate and research training, with a particular focus on professional development for postgraduate research students and early-career researchers. Rebecca is a Senior Research Fellow at DSPI where she supervises doctoral students and undertakes research in health policy and social policy in developing countries. Her research interests centre on the politics, implementation and outcomes of health and income maintenance policies in South Africa. Rebecca joins the divisional team in April for a one-term handover with Professor Alexander Betts who will leave the divisional team mid-2023. 

Professor Rebecca Surender said:

I am delighted to be taking up this role in the Social Sciences Division team and to begin working with colleagues within and across Division. Plans include further developing graduate access initiatives, expanding the research training and career development opportunities for our doctoral students and implementing the next phase of our 'DTP' programme. I look forward to building on the excellent work of Alex Betts and his team.