Two University of Liverpool researchers are among the Academy of Social Sciences latest cohort of Fellows, announced today (3 September 2026).
Fellows are elected for their significant contributions to social science. Their work highlights the vital role of the social sciences in understanding and helping to address some of the complex societal challenges facing the UK and the world today. As well as excellence in research and the professional application of social science, those elected as Fellows have also made substantial contributions beyond academia, including in policy, public service, industry and civil society.
The University’s newly elected Academy of Social Sciences Fellows are:
- Professor Charlie Xiaowu Cai, Professor of Finance
- Professor Andrew Russell, Professor of Politics
Professor Charlie Xiaowu Cai’s research explores how information, technology and investor behaviour shape global financial markets and investment outcomes. His work spans asset pricing, market structure, financial technology, sustainable investment and systemic risk. He has published widely across finance, accounting and management and collaborates internationally with academic, industry and regulatory partners.
Professor Andrew Russell is a leading UK expert in contemporary politics. His academic work has been shaped by a commitment to political representation and widening democratic access, including widely cited work on youth political participation and impactful research on racially minoritised groups. His current research (including the prize-winning 2025 book The Politics of Unbelonging) on European Roma communities has informed government policy, and he is recognised as the leading scholar on the British Liberal Democrats. Professor Russell is also a prominent media commentator, regularly appearing on BBC Breakfast, Sunday Politics and BBC Radio 5 Live. As a first-generation university student, Andrew has been deeply committed to enhancing teaching and learning throughout his career.
President of the Academy, Will Hutton FAcSS, said: “Our newest Fellows represent some of the most influential voices in social science today. Their work is expanding knowledge, challenging assumptions and generating insights that are informing and even redefining decision making across government, business, education and civil society. I am delighted to welcome them to the Academy and look forward to working with them to raise the profile and impact of the social sciences across the UK and beyond.”
The Academy’s Fellowship comprises 1,750 leading social scientists from academia, the public, private and third sectors. Fellows’ expertise covers the breadth of the social sciences, and their practice and research helps to understand and address some of the major challenges facing communities, society, places and economies. All Academy Fellows are elected for their excellence in their fields and their substantial contributions to social science for public benefit. Selection is through an independent peer review which recognises their excellence and impact.