Looking back at 50 years of social sciences
It was a ‘golden’ moment for Bangor University last week as the School of Social Sciences celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Staff and students from past and present united on campus to commemorate the growth and achievement of the School since its inception in 1966.
It started life as the Department of Social Theory and Institutions in what was then known as the University College of North Wales. In its first year, it counted three members of staff and just over 100 students.
Today, as the School of Social Sciences, it accommodates more than 40 staff, 400 undergraduates, 50 Masters students and more than 30 postgraduate research students.
It is now recognised as an established centre for social sciences research, ranking within the top 20 institutions in the UK for research within the field (REF 2014). Its research strengths are exemplified by its contribution to national research collaborations such as the Wales Institute of Social and Economic Research, Data, and Methods (WISERD); the Centre for Ageing and Dementia Research; the School for Social Care Research; the Wales Kidney Research Unit; and the National Centre for Population Health and Wellbeing Research.
Students and academics from all over the world are attracted to the School, and it works in close collaboration with multiple local and international partners.
Last week, these achievements were commemorated with a black-tie dinner – during which guests were entertained by Côr y Penrhyn – and a conference looking back at the last 50 years in the field of social sciences.
Guests speakers at the conference included Bangor alumnus and former colleague Professor Charlotte Williams OBE (RMIT University); Professor Rachel Forrester-Jones, Director of the Tizard Centre and Professor of Social Inclusion, University of Kent; and two former Heads of School: Graham Day, now Emeritus Reader; and Professor Ian Rees Jones, now Director of WISERD.
“We had a fantastic two days celebrating 50 years of social sciences, and are grateful to all those who joined us in the celebrations”, commented Professor Martina Feilzer. “We were heartened by the strength of feeling expressed by our alumni, former colleagues, partners, and friends about their time of Bangor and their connection to the School.
“We look forward to the future from a position of strength with increasing student numbers, impactful research, and strong National Student Survey results.”
Publication date: 22 September 2016