A University of Bristol law professor has been awarded a prestigious accolade for demonstrating excellence in her contributions to social sciences research.

Judith Masson, Professor of Socio-Legal Studies at the University of Bristol Law School, has been elected an Academician of the Academy of Social Sciences for her work into child and family law and her specific contributions which cover child protection and the legal representation of children in the care proceedings process.

Academicians of the Academy of Social Sciences include distinguished scholars and practitioners from academia and the public and private sectors. The award is conferred on those who are nominated and judged by their peers to have made a distinguished contribution to the social sciences.

Professor Wendy Larner, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Law at the University of Bristol, said: “Congratulations to Professor Judith Masson on receiving this prestigious accolade.  Academicians include some of the country’s most eminent social scientists and this is a great reflection of the University’s continued success in the field.”

Academicians of the Academy of Social Sciences include distinguished scholars and practitioners from academia and the public and private sectors. The award is conferred on those who are nominated and judged by their peers to have made a distinguished contribution to the social sciences.

This latest award brings to 21 the number of current Bristol academics whose work in the field of social science has been honoured in this way. Others who have previously been awarded the title AcSS include Emeritus Professor Bernard Alford (Historical Studies), Professor Terrell Carver (Politics), Visiting Professor Guy Claxton (Graduate School of Education), Professor Michael Crossley (Graduate School of Education), Visiting Professor Rosemary Deem (Graduate School of Education), Emeritus Professor Malcolm Johnson (Policy Studies), Professor Kelvyn Jones (Geographical Sciences), Emeritus Professor Hilary Land (Policy Studies), Emeritus Professor Richard Little (Politics), Professor Gregor McLennan (Sociology), Professor Roger Middleton (Historical Studies), Professor Tariq Modood (Sociology), Professor Judith Squires (Pro Vice Chancellor), Emeritus Professor Ray Forrest (Policy Studies), Professor Mark Wickham-Jones (Politics), Professor Wendy Larner (Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Law), Professor Steven Greer (University of Bristol Law School), Professor Jenny Donovan (School of Social and Community Medicine) and Professor Sarah Childs (School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies), Professor Joanne Conaghan (University of Bristol Law School).

The Academy of Social Sciences is an academic institution, which aims to promote excellence in, and the advancement of, the social sciences in the UK for the public benefit. Further information can be found on the Academy of Social Sciences website.