Kenneth Nelson appointed professor at the University of Oxford

Kenneth Nelson, a long-term employee at SOFI and professor of sociology with a focus on social policy since 2014, has been appointed professor at the University of Oxford. He will hold the Barnett Professorship in Social Policy at the Department of Social Policy and Intervention. The professorship also entails a fellowship at St Cross College.

“I see this as a great challenge, to come to such a prestigious university with so many outstanding researchers in a range of different disciplines. However, my background at SOFI and Stockholm University makes me feel well prepared and confident that I have many things to contribute to Oxford”, said Kenneth Nelson.

Within the appointment of the new professorship, Kenneth Nelson will continue his work of studying the welfare state, social policy and its consequences for people's welfare and the society at large.

Kenneth Nelson, professor of sociology at Stockholm Univerity, in a big room with books and a tv

Kenneth Nelson, professor of sociology, will start a new position at the University of Oxford in April 2023, but will continue to work at SOFI on a part-time basis.

“I hope that the position at Oxford will broaden my research on the welfare state towards areas that are less explored today, for example the connection that may exist between social policy and an effective climate transition. Another area that I hope to develop is the connection between social policy organization and effects in low- and high-income countries.” said Kenneth Nelson.

Previously, SOFI professor Jan O. Jonsson has been appointed professor at Oxford with a fellowship at Nuffield college. The fact that Kenneth Nelson now also gets a professorship show that the research at SOFI meets a high international standard, according to Kenneth Nelson.

“I see this as a sign of strength for SOFI, that we are attractive to such a prestigious university as Oxford. We also hope that this will increase the collaboration between SOFI and Oxford, not least at doctoral level and for junior researchers, said” Kenneth Nelson.

He will start the position at the University of Oxford in April 2023, but will continue to work at SOFI on a part-time basis.