New Academy fellows strengthen Cardiff University's social science leadership
9 September 2026
Two Cardiff academics have been recognised for their significant contributions to the field of social science by the Academy of Social Sciences.
Professor Sin Yi Cheung, Professor of Sociology and Director of Research at the School of Social and Spatial Sciences , and Professor Rhiannon Evans, Professor in Social Science and Health, based at DECIPHer, School of Social and Spatial Sciences, were part of a cohort of 74 new Fellows who joined the Academy in autumn 2026.
Professor Sin Yi Cheung is Professor of Sociology and Deputy Head of School (Research, Innovation and Enterprise) in the School of Social and Spatial Sciences. An internationally recognised scholar, her research has reshaped understanding of social inequalities, migration and refugee integration, and social mobility. Her work combines methodological rigour with real-world impact, informing academic debates, public policy and professional practice in the UK and internationally.
A leading figure in quantitative social science, Professor Cheung has built an influential research portfolio spanning multiple disciplines and has held prestigious appointments and advisory roles around the world. Alongside her election to the Learned Society of Wales in 2022, she has been appointed to the Hong Kong Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2026 Social Science Panel and serves on the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2029 Sub-Panel for Social Work and Social Policy, contributing to the assessment of research excellence in both the UK and internationally.
Her contributions to scholarship and public engagement were further recognised through a Black History Cymru 365 Community Award in 2024, acknowledging her work to advance understanding of race equality and inclusion.
“I am delighted to join fellow Academicians in the Academy of Social Sciences. I have been fortunate to work with outstanding colleagues, students and partners throughout my career, and I am pleased to see the value of social science research recognised and celebrated through this Fellowship.”
Professor Rhiannon Evans is an internationally leading researcher working at the interface of public health and social care to tackle health inequities. She is the Deputy Director of DECIPHer and Academic Lead. She is also Deputy Director and Health Inequities Lead for the NIHR Public Health Reviews Team and has leadership roles in both the National Suicide and Self-harm Research Centre and the Rhondda Cynon Taf Health Determinants Research Collaboration. She also serves as Academic Lead for the Welsh Crucible programme, supporting the development of future research leaders across Wales.
Professor Evans’ research has a particular emphasis on tackling the health inequities experienced by underserved communities, especially care-experienced children and young people. She has been appointed as a Churchill Fellow in recognition of her work, having spent time in the US and South Korea exploring suicide prevention programmes for individuals in care. Her research has achieved substantial impact, including informing UNICEF’s work to introduce a mental health and wellbeing lens to services for those in care.
“It is an incredible honour to be appointed as a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences. I am very grateful to have my work recognised in this way, particularly as it highlights the vital role that social science plays in understanding and addressing health inequities. I would like to acknowledge my colleagues and collaborators, whose continued inspiration, support, and partnership have been central to this achievement.”
The Academy’s Fellowship comprises 1,750 leading social scientists from academia, the public, private and third sectors. Their Fellows’ expertise covers the breadth of the social sciences, and their practice and research help to understand and address some of the major challenges facing communities, society, places and economies. All Academy Fellows are elected for their excellence in their fields and their substantial contributions to social science for public benefit. Selection is through an independent peer review which recognises their excellence and impact.
President of the Academy, Will Hutton FAcSS, said, “Our newest Fellows represent some of the most influential voices in social science today. Their work is expanding knowledge, challenging assumptions and generating insights that are informing and even redefining decision making across government, business, education and civil society. I am delighted to welcome them to the Academy and look forward to working with them to raise the profile and impact of the social sciences across the UK and beyond.”
The full list of this autumn’s Fellows can be found on the Academy of Social Science’s website.
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