Professor Mark Barry elected Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences

Professor Mark Barry, Professor of Practice in Connectivity at the School of Geography and Planning, has been elected a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences.

Professor Barry is among 63 leading social scientists recognised this year for their substantial contributions to research, practice, and public benefit across a wide range of fields.

Election to the Fellowship is made through an independent peer review, honouring both excellence and impact in the social sciences.

Will Hutton FAcSS, President of the Academy of Social Sciences, said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome these 63 leading social scientists to the Academy’s Fellowship. Their research and practical applications have made substantial contributions to social science and wider society in a range of areas from international trade policy and inclusive planning systems through to innovative entrepreneurship and governing digital technologies. We look forward to working with them to promote further the vital role the social sciences play in all areas of our lives.”

With nearly four decades of international experience across management consultancy, biotech, IT, finance, economic development and transport, Professor Barry has played a pivotal role in shaping transport policy and infrastructure in Wales.

Professor Barry conceived and developed the original South Wales Metro concept, first set out in his influential 2011 report A Metro for Wales’ Capital City Region. His ongoing advocacy has supported the further development of Metros across Wales, including in Swansea Bay, North Wales and the expansion of the Cardiff Capital Region Metro via schemes like Cardiff Crossrail.

Since joining the School of Geography and Planning in 2016, Professor Barry has led engagement initiatives such as Metro and Me (2018) and has advised Welsh Government, Cardiff Council, and Transport for Wales on major transport visions and business cases.

His recent book, How to Build a Metro (2024), documents the early development and advocacy of the South Wales Metro and reflects on the challenges of transport policy, investment, and sustainability in the UK.

Professor Barry said: "I was both surprised and pleased to be elected a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences. It’s gratifying that my “practice” work, and that of many others, over the last 15 years in developing the vision, advocating and communicating the case, for the South Wales Metro and especially its wider benefits and impacts, has been recognised in this way."

The Academy’s Fellowship now comprises more than 1,700 leading social scientists from academia, industry, policy and the third sector. Their collective expertise helps address major challenges facing communities, economies, and societies in the UK and beyond.