The Political Studies Association (PSA) has today (28 March) announced that Phil Sooben will be the new CEO of the Association. Currently Deputy Chief Executive at the UK’s largest organisation for funding research on economic and social issues, the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), Sooben will step into his new role from June 2017.
The PSA is a learned society with over 1800 members spanning the fields of academia, teaching, policy-making and practice.
Phil was appointed by a panel chaired by the the PSA’s Chair, Professor Matthew Flinders (University of Sheffield) who said: “I am delighted to welcome Phil Sooben at such an exciting moment in the PSA’s history.”
“An ambitious new strategic plan has just been agreed and Phil has the perfect blend of experience and insight to play a leading role in addressing the challenges and opportunities that undoubtedly lie ahead.”
Having been at ESRC since 1988 Phil brings a wealth of knowledge on research funding, postgraduate training, human resources, corporate strategy and communications to the role.
On his appointment, he said: “I am very excited to be joining the PSA at a time when the contribution of political studies to broader society and the need to engage young people is more vital than ever. I am looking forward to working with an enthusiastic and talented team and implementing the Association’s new 10-Year Strategic Plan.”
Educated at the Universities of Oxford and Warwick, Phil possesses a strong understanding of the interests of the PSA’s core academic community. His experience representing ESRC in the wider research and higher education environment and on bodies such as the Strategic Forum for the Social Sciences as well as his work representing RCUK on the Research Excellence Framework and the concordat on research integrity, will ensure that he has the insight and credibility required to lead the PSA on its ambitious trajectory of growth.
Professor Angelia Wilson (University of Manchester) who will soon take over as Chair of the PSA, has said:
“There was a significant, high quality response to our CEO recruitment campaign. But Phil impressed us enormously with his informed and extensive knowledge of the landscape within which the PSA operates. I am really looking forward to working in partnership with him to realise the PSA’s strategic goals”.
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