News

UKERC academic, Prof Nick Pidgeon has been elected as a Fellow of the British Academy for his distinguished contributions to the field of humanities and social sciences and in particular his research into environmental psychology.

An expert in risk communication, with work spanning climate change, sustainable energy behaviours, net zero technologies and environmental risks, he is one of 86 academics elected for the 2023 fellowship.

Working at the interface of social psychology, environmental sciences, human geography, and science and technology studies, Professor Pidgeon has led numerous policy-oriented projects on issues of public responses to environmental and technological risk and on ‘science in society’ for UK Government Departments, the Research Councils, the Royal Society, and here at UKERC. While during the Covid-19 pandemic, Professor Pidgeon was also part of a working group sharing his extensive risk communication and behavioural sciences insight to both the UK and Welsh governments.

Professor Pidgeon, who leads the Cardiff University’s Understanding Risk Research Group, said: “I am both honoured and delighted to be elected to the Academy. Our world now faces multiple environmental challenges, many of which are human in their origins. I look forward to contributing to the important work of the Academy in advancing our understanding of how society can forge a more sustainable future for all.

“This award also reflects the collegiate collaborations I have had with many colleagues within Cardiff and other Universities in the UK and  worldwide who have worked with me to deliver key research projects on energy systems, climate change and sustainability, as well as the many early career researchers who have worked with me in the Understanding Risk research group over the years.”

Welcoming the Fellows, the President of the British Academy, Professor Julia Black, said: “It is with great pleasure that we welcome yet another outstanding cohort to the Academy’s Fellowship. The scope of research and expertise on display across our newly elected UK, Corresponding and Honorary Fellows shows the breadth and depth of knowledge and insight held by the British Academy and which we work hard to harness to help shape the world.

“With the vast expertise and wide-ranging insights brought by our new Fellows, the Academy continues to showcase the importance of the SHAPE disciplines in opening fresh seams of knowledge and understanding, while simultaneously advancing the well-being and prosperity of societies worldwide. I wholeheartedly congratulate each of our new Fellows on this achievement and look forward to working together.”

Professor Pidgeon led the UKERC project on Public Acceptability of Whole Energy System Change in Phase 2 and the UKERC project on Paying for the Energy Transition in Phase 3. He currently leads the UKERC Theme 4 project on Public Acceptance of Heat Decarbonisation Options.