The SPA Awards recognise the work of academics who are researching and teaching social policy, and who contribute to advancing the discipline. Despite the challenges faced again by everyone this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the SPA was happy to receive strong nominations for five different awards, and announced winners during an online ceremony in the Annual Conference.
Excellence in Doctoral Research Award – Susan Watson
Susan is a PhD student in the Department of Social Policy and Social Work, University of York. Her paper “Words do hurt me” – The impact of vituperative communication on social networking sites on gender-based violence” was described by the Award judges as “innovative and interdisciplinary”.
Cambridge University Press Awards for Excellence in Social Policy Scholarship – Journal of Social Policy: Mary Daly
Mary is Professor of Sociology and Social Policy, Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford. Her paper “Children and their Rights and Entitlements in EU Welfare States”, in volume 49, issue 2 of the journal, was commended by judges as a “rigorously systematic analysis”.
Cambridge University Press Awards for Excellence in Social Policy Scholarship – Social Policy & Society: Andrew Baker & Richard Murphy
Andrew Baker is Professor of Political Economy in the Department of Politics and International Relations and Richard Murphy is chartered accountant and a political economist, Professor of Practice in International Political Econo my at City University, London. Their article “Modern Monetary Theory and the Changing Role of Tax in Society”, in volume 19, issue 3 was commended as an “excellent short-read of MMT bringing it to the attention of UK social policy academics”.
Cambridge University Press Awards for Excellence in Social Policy Scholarship – Journal of International and Comparative Social Policy: Marcello Natili
Marcello is Assistant Professor of Political Science, University of Milan. Judges described his article “Worlds of last-resort safety nets? A proposed typology of minimum income schemes in Europe” (volume 36, issue 1) as “excellent research providing a useful frame that moves beyond existing regime analysis”.
Policy Press Outstanding Teaching Award – Liam Foster
Liam Foster is Senior Lecturer in Social Policy and Social Work, Department of Sociological Studies, University of Sheffield. The judges commented “Dr Foster’s teaching is clearly innovative and engaging. The workbook examples supporting his nomination are superb, bringing a lucidity and practicality to an aspect of social policy study that can seem impenetrable and somewhat arcane for students”.
Many congratulations to all our remarkable award-winners. Do look out for nomination details for next year’s awards, when we hope we will manage a more traditional award ceremony at our Annual Conference.