SPRU professor to lead social science campaign

SPRU professor to lead social science campaign. Professor James Wilsdon, a University of Sussex expert in science policy, will lead a national campaign to promote the importance of social science to the government and the public. Professor Wilsdon, based at SPRU - Science and Technology Policy Research, is to be the new chair of the Campaign for Social Science from 1 September 2013. The campaigners believe that tackling issues such as climate change, an ageing population and new technologies will require natural and social scientists to work closely together. Professor Wilsdon said: "In just two years since it was launched, the Campaign for Social Science has helped to reinvigorate public and political debate about the social sciences. I'm excited to be taking over as chair as the campaign looks towards the next general election. "We have a fast-growing membership and a powerful set of messages about the public value of the social sciences, and their contribution to economic growth and evidence-informed policy.