Dr Debbie Hopkins appointed Advocate for Research Staff and Research Culture

The Social Sciences Division is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Debbie Hopkins as Advocate for Research Staff and Research Culture, a key leadership role supporting the Division’s research community and strengthening an inclusive, positive research environment.

Dr Hopkins is an Associate Professor in Human Geography, jointly appointed between the School of Geography and the Environment and Oxford Lifelong Learning, where she teaches on the Sustainable Urban Development programme. Her research lies at the intersection of mobilities studies, labour geography, critical logistics, and critical sustainability, with a central focus on how mobility shapes and is shaped by social and environmental justice concerns.

In her new role, Dr Hopkins will work closely with the Associate Head of Division (Research & Impact), Professor Louise Slater, and colleagues in the Divisional Research, Impact and Engagement team, as well as the University Advocate for Research Staff Development, Professor David Gavaghan and Research Staff Advocates from the other divisions of the University.

As the Division’s academic lead for research staff and research culture, Dr Hopkins will provide strategic leadership on issues affecting fixed-term researchers, promote and facilitate the University’s vision of providing a world-leading environment for research and researcher development, and contribute to preparations for REF2029, particularly in relation to the Strategy, People and Research Environment element.

Commenting on her appointment Dr Hopkins said,

 I am looking forward to working with colleagues across the Division and the University to strengthen support for research staff, champion a positive and inclusive research culture, and ensure that researchers at all career stages feel valued, supported, and able to thrive.

Dr Hopkins takes over the role from Professor Christiaan Monden, Professor of Sociology and Demography in the Department of Sociology.  During his three years as Divisional Research Advocate Professor Monden played a leading role in engaging with departments around their responsibilities towards fixed-term research staff, securing their support for divisional principles. He also established a network of departmental advocates for research staff to provide consistency and enable sharing of good practice; with Dr Hopkins among the cohort of departmental advocates

The Social Sciences Division thanks Professor Monden for his outstanding contribution and wishes Dr Hopkins success in her new role.