UEA professor elected Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences
By: Communications
A professor from the University of East Anglia (UEA) has been elected a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences, in recognition of his sustained leadership in the field of area studies.
Prof Matthias Neumann, Professor of Modern History, is one of 74 social scientists to be elected for this year’s spring cohort. He now joins only seven other UEA academics who currently hold this prestigious honour.
The Head of UEA’s School of History and Art History said: “I am deeply honoured to be elected a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences.
“At a time of profound global change, the insights of the social sciences and humanities are more vital than ever for understanding our societies and shaping a better future.”
Prof Neumann’s work and leadership have significantly shaped Slavonic Studies in the UK and internationally.
After serving as President of the British Association for Slavonic and East European Studies (BASEES), Prof Neumann was elected President of the International Council for Central and East European Studies (ICCEES) in 2025: the global consortium of scholarly associations dedicated to multidisciplinary research on the region.
As Academic Director of the BASEES Annual Conference since 2012 and President from 2019 to 2023, he expanded the organisation’s reach and led a major programme of internationalisation. Under his leadership, the annual conference became the largest area-studies conference in the field outside the United States.
He is also Treasurer of the Royal Historical Society and serves on advisory boards for major international social-science projects and research centres.
The Academy of Social Sciences
The Academy of Social Sciences is the national academy of academics, practitioners and learned societies in the social sciences. Its Fellowship comprises 1,700 leading social scientists from academia, the public, private and third sectors.
Fellows are elected for excellence in their fields and their substantial contributions to social science for public benefit.
The 2026 cohort spans a wide range of fields – including climate adaptation, food inequality, and ethical issues in global peace and security – reflecting the vital role social science plays in addressing today’s most pressing societal challenges.
Alongside their academic achievements, new Fellows have made substantial contributions to areas such as industry, policy, education and public engagement.
Related Articles
What new Game of Thrones prequel gets right about courage, honour, horsemanship and the power of bling
If Game of Thrones seems obsessed with bling, chivalry, honour and horsemanship – that’s because the real medieval world was too, according to the prequel's historical advisor Dr Hugh Doherty.
Read more
Q&A with Dr Jessica Sharkey: The legend of Guy Fawkes and Bonfire Night
As the nation gears up for the dramatic finale of The Traitors UK tonight, Dr Jessica Sharkey from the School of History and Art History at UEA, answers some questions on the history of Guy Fawkes - the man whose name has become synonymous with treason.
Read more
UEA maritime historians look back on 100 years of the Shipping Forecast
The Shipping Forecast has inspired art, poetry and music, saved lives, and soothed the nation to sleep – according to UEA maritime historians Prof Claire Jowitt and Dr Benjamin Redding.
Read more