Sociologist honoured by Royal Society

Internationally renowned sociologist Professor Paul Spoonley has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand.

Professor Spoonley, who is research director for the University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences based at the Albany campus, was one of 13 scientists awarded a Fellowship at the annual general meeting of the society’s Academy.

Academy Chair, Dr Stephen Goldson, says Fellowships are an honour given to our top researchers for showing distinction in research or the advancement of science, technology or humanities.

Professor Spoonley, who was awarded a Fellowship for developing new approaches to understanding inter-group relations and his work on anti-Semitism and political extremism, immigrant settlements and labour markets, says the award is “great recognition” for sociology as a study discipline.

“To be acknowledged in this way is very humbling, especially as you are being judged not only by your disciplinary peers but by scientific colleagues from across the spectrum.”

He is the author or editor of more than 20 books on sociology, biculturalism, racism, ethnic relations and international migration.

Two years ago Professor Spoonley was also honoured by the Royal Society with a Science and Technology medal for scholarship on race relations in New Zealand.

The New Zealand Science and Technology medals recognise and honour those who have made exceptional contributions to New Zealand society and culture through activities in the broad fields of science, mathematics, social science and technology.