Fellowships acknowledge interdisciplinary educators

Two University of Adelaide researchers, Professor Rachel Ankeny from the School of Humanities, and Professor Peng Bi from the School of Public Health, have been elected as fellows of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia.

Professor Ankeny is an interdisciplinary teacher and scholar whose areas of expertise cross the fields of history and philosophy of science, bioethics and science policy, and food studies.

“In a period where the social sciences have proven more critical than ever before, I am honoured to be elected as a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia,” Professor Ankeny said.

“As a humanist trained in social science methodologies, I continue to be excited about using diverse disciplinary approaches to explore critical issues relating to science and technology to impact policy and practice, particularly in domains rife with ethical and social conflicts such as the biomedical sciences and agriculture/food.”

Professor Ankeny is also an investigator on many projects, has various board and committee roles, and presents talks to members of the public.

Professor Bi’s research interests include environmental health, climate change, infectious diseases, emergency public health event response, and population health.

“Becoming a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia is a great honour to me and my team,” Professor Bi said.

“While this is a recognition of our work from peers, I would like to use the platform to collaborate and promote our research on climate change and health adaptation, which is an ongoing challenge to our society.”

Professor Bi has served on the National Health and Medical Research Council. Earlier in the year he was a member of a team nominated for an Australian Museum Eureka Prize for its work protecting people’s health and wellbeing from the effects of extreme heat.

“I congratulate Professor Ankeny and Professor Bi for their Fellowships... As part of a community of dedicated researchers, their work accelerates human progress and makes the world a better place.”Professor Anton Middelberg, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the University of Adelaide.

Professor Anton Middelberg is Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the University of Adelaide.

“I congratulate Professor Ankeny and Professor Bi for their Fellowships which recognise their highly-respected careers and reputations across interdisciplinary fields,” said Professor Middelberg.

“As part of a community of dedicated researchers, their work accelerates human progress and makes the world a better place.”

“Between them they have contributed 32 years of their careers to the University of Adelaide, which is a remarkable achievement in itself.”

The Academy of Social Sciences in Australia includes leading researchers and practitioners across the breadth of social science disciplines. Fellows have demonstrated an outstanding contribution to one or more fields of social science research or practice in Australia.

Fellows are elected once a year, and a full list of 2022 fellows can be found on the Academy’s website.