Two University of Liverpool academics have been elected as Fellows of the Learned Society of Wales (LSW), a public recognition of academic excellence.
Laura McAllister, Professor of Governance in the University’s Management School, and Professor Rob Beynon, Head of Biochemistry in the Institute of Integrative Biology‘s Centre for Proteome Research, are among 40 new Fellows elected to the LSW.
Professor McAllister said: “I am extremely honoured and proud to be recognised by the Learned Society of Wales.
“Being made a fellow by the most eminent Learned Society in Wales is especially pleasing as it is in recognition of academic research excellence, but also the impact of my work influencing the development of devolution and politics in Wales.”
Professor Rob Beynon said: “This is a wonderful recognition of my endeavour, and that of my fantastic research team, past and present. I am inordinately proud to be given this honour.”
The Society harnesses the expertise of the Fellowship to help promote awareness of how the sciences and the arts, humanities and social sciences can benefit society. Fellows assist the Society in its work by serving on its various committees and working groups and by representing it nationally and internationally.
LSW President, Sir Emyr Jones Parry said: “These new Fellows will help strengthen our capacity to support excellence across all areas of academic and public life, both in Wales and abroad.
“It is encouraging that the proportion of female Fellows elected – 35% – is the highest in the history of the Society. More women are reaching the highest levels of their discipline, and this is rightly being reflected in their election to the Fellowship of the Society.”
Election to Fellowship follows a rigorous five-stage election process. Fellowship is open to men and women of all ages and from all ethnic groups who have a demonstrable record of excellence and achievement in any of the academic disciplines or who, being members of the professions, the arts, industry, commerce or public service, have made a distinguished contribution to the world of learning.
Fellows must be resident in Wales, or persons of Welsh birth but resident elsewhere, or otherwise demonstrate a particular connection with Wales.