Professor Kate Pickett OBE has been named the University of York’s first Professor for the Public Understanding of Social Science, a specialized chair tasked with expanding public engagement around systemic inequality and social policy.Global Appointment and Policy WorkThe appointment coincides with Professor Pickett joining a new 40-member global consultative council for the UN-endorsed International Panel on Inequality (IPI).
Modelled closely on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the international expert body has outlined an initial two-year program.
The initiative will focus on monitoring wealth gaps, synthesizing global socioeconomic data, and delivering concrete policy frameworks to world governments.
Background and Regional Ties
Professor Pickett is best known as the co-author of the international bestseller The Spirit Level, a seminal study detailing the broad societal harms caused by severe economic disparity. She is also a co-founder and patron of The Equality Trust and currently serves as Director of the Born in Bradford Centre for Social Change. This major regional project tracks the long-term health and wellbeing of thousands of children across West Yorkshire.
The university announcement follows the launch of her latest book, The Good Society: And How We Make It, which advocates for the prioritisation of vulnerable populations to improve broader public services.
Upcoming Local Event
Professor Pickett will discuss these themes at the upcoming York Festival of Ideas during a debate titled ‘Democracy on Trial’ on Sunday, 7 June. The event will feature an expert panel discussing democratic reform before handing proceedings over to a citizen’s jury.
