TWO professors from the University of Stirling have been recognised for their outstanding contributions, having been made fellows of the Academy of Social Sciences.

Professor Iain Docherty, dean of the Institute for Advanced Studies, and Professor Sheila Dow, emeritus professor of economics, join 1,400 fellows at the renowned academy, which promotes social science across the UK.

They are among the distinguished scholars and practitioners from academia and the public and private sectors who are elected by their peers for their outstanding contributions to research and for their application of social science to policy, education, society and the economy.

Professor Dow, whose research interests include the historic of economic thought and much more, said: “I greatly appreciate the honour that this fellowship represents.

“I look forward to engaging with the academy as I continue my work in economics, interacting with other social science disciplines in order to address society’s concerns.”

While her career has primarily been in academia, Professor Dow has held positions with the Bank of England and the Government of Manitoba, and as a special advisor on monetary policy to the UK Treasury Select Committee.

Professor Docherty joined colleagues in Stirling last year, having held positions at the University of Glasgow in the past.

His focus is on interconnecting issues of public policy, institutional change, and city and regional competitiveness, especially the role of transport in promoting economic development and environmental sustainability.

Professor Docherty said: “I am humbled and honoured to receive this conferment from the Academy of Social Sciences.

“It is a proud moment to be nominated by your peers to join such a prestigious institution and I look forward to continuing to work hard in this area for the public good.”

During his career, Professor Docherty has worked with and advised a range of private sector, governmental and other organisations, including governments and public agencies in the UK, United States, Australia, Canada, Netherlands, and Sweden.

He is also a co-investigator on the Economic and Social Research Council’s Productivity Insights Network and on the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council’s Covid-19 Transport, Travel and Social Adaptation project.

Professor Judith Phillips, deputy principal (research) at the University of Stirling, added: “I am delighted that Professor Docherty and Professor Dow have been made fellows of the Academy of Social Sciences.

“It is deserved recognition from their peers of the importance and value of their ongoing contribution to social sciences across the UK.

“I congratulate both Professor Docherty and Professor Dow on behalf of everyone at the university.”