School of Social and Political Science

Campaign for Social Science appoints Professor Christina Boswell as Chair



Professor Christina Boswell has become the new Chair of the Campaign for Social Science, a leading role in promoting the importance of the social sciences. 

The Academy of Social Sciences appointed Christina to further the Campaign’s work, focusing on strengthening the use of social science in public policy in the UK and devolved governments. 

This comes shortly after Christina was appointed as one of five new members of the Council of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). The ESRC Council has responsibility for decisions on scientific, research and innovation matters around administering social science research. 

As Chair of the Campaign for Social Science, Christina will play a leading role in shaping the future of the Campaign’s work, and growing its impact, working with the Campaign Board and the staff team.   

Christina, Professor of Politics at the University of Edinburgh’s School of Social and Political Science, has extensive experience in advancing the role of research in policy: 

  • She co-founded the Centre for Science, Knowledge and Policy in 2012 at the University of Edinburgh. 
  • Alongside her research, which focuses on the use of research and expert knowledge in policymaking, she has held numerous advisory roles for governments and international organisations including for UNHRC, OECD, the European Commission, and UK and Scottish Governments.  
  • Her current advisory roles include being a member of the Home Office Scientific Advisory Council, advisor to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, in addition to  membership of the ESRC Council.  
  • Until recently, she served as Vice President for Public Policy of the British Academy, between 2021 and 2026. 
  • Christina also brings a wealth of experience from her research and innovation leadership roles within the University of Edinburgh, having served as Vice Principal for Research and Enterprise for the university between August 2022 and October 2025, and also as Dean of Research for the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (2017-22). 

Christina said: “I’m honoured and delighted to be taking on this role at such a crucial time for the social sciences. We are facing a perfect storm of social, economic and environmental disruption, and the insights and methods from social sciences will be at the heart of tackling these problems. I’m looking forward to working with our social science community and stakeholders across policy, public sector, industry and civil society to deliver the Campaign’s mission of improving policy, society and our lives.”