WIREDGOV

Greg Clark, the Minister of State for Universities, Science and Cities, has appointed Professor Judith Squires as a new Council member for the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).

Professor Squires is Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students at the University of Bristol, where she leads on teaching and learning and champions the university’s Engaged University strategy to foster knowledge exchange activities and user engagement across the broad portfolio of its activities.

Judith is a scholar of Politics and International Relations and previously held the post of Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Law at the University of Bristol. She has a strong connection with the ESRC having held previous positions as Director of the ESRC South West Doctoral Training Centre and as a member of the Training and Skills Committee, Impact Network and Peer Review College. She is a member of the REF Sub-panel 21, and a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences and the Royal Society of Arts (RSA).

Professor Judith Squires has been appointed to Council for four years from 1 September 2014 to 31 August 2018.

For further information

ESRC Press Office

• Susie Watts  
  Email: susie.watts@esrc.ac.uk
  Telephone: 01793 413119
• Aaron Boardley 
  Email: aaron.boardley@esrc.ac.uk
  Telephone: 01793 413122

Notes for editors

1. The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) funds research into the big social and economic questions facing us today. We also develop and train the UK's future social scientists. Our research informs public policies and helps make businesses, voluntary bodies and other organisations more effective. Most importantly, it makes a real difference to all our lives. The ESRC is an independent organisation, established by Royal Charter in 1965, and funded mainly by the Government. In 2015 the ESRC celebrates its 50th anniversary. 
2. The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) is building a dynamic and competitive UK economy by: creating the conditions for business success; promoting innovation, enterprise and science; and giving everyone the skills and opportunities to succeed. To achieve this it will foster world-class universities and promote an open global economy. BIS - Investing in our future.
3. The University of Bristol is one of the most popular and successful universities in the UK, and was ranked within the top 30 universities in the world in the QS World University rankings 2013. Bristol is a member of the Russell Group of UK research-intensive universities, and a member of the Worldwide Universities Network, a grouping of research-led institutions of international standing. The University was founded in 1876 and was granted its Royal Charter in 1909. It was the first university in England to admit women on the same basis as men.  The University is a major force in the economic, social and cultural life of Bristol and the region, but is also a significant player on the world stage. It has over 15,000 undergraduates and nearly 6,000 postgraduate students from more than 100 countries, and its research links span the globe. Eleven Bristol graduates and members of staff have been awarded Nobel Prizes, including Sir Winston Churchill who was Chancellor of the University of Bristol from 1929 until 1965.
4. Images are available of Professor Judith Squires on request from the press office.
5. The Council appointments have been made in accordance with the requirements of the Code of the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Judith Squires has not been involved in any relevant political activities. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees' political activity (if any declared) to be made public. This appointee has declared no political activity and holds no ministerial appointments.
6. An honorarium of £6,850 per year is currently paid to members.