Political Studies Communicator of the Year
6 December 2017
A Cardiff University political expert who is at the forefront of research and commentary in Wales has been recognised for his contribution to helping the public understand politics.
Professor Roger Scully of the University’s Wales Governance Centre, has been named Political Communicator of the Year by the Political Studies Association (PSA).
An expert in political representation in Britain and the European Union, Professor Scully is a frequent media commentator and works closely with YouGov and ITV-Cymru Wales to produce and report on the Welsh Political Barometer – the only regular opinion poll carried out in Wales.
Professor Scully was presented with the award at the Political Studies Association’s Annual Award ceremony in London on December 5th 2017. He is the first person based at a Welsh university ever to win a PSA award.
"Politics is everyone’s business – and it is an important part of my job to help people understand that."
The Award jury commended Professor Scully for: “The authoritative and tangible contribution he has made researching and commenting upon Welsh politics as well as astutely conveying wider political issues and enhancing the public understanding of politics via the media”.
Professor Scully added: “I feel deeply honoured to have been given this award. Winning the Political Communicator of the Year award is not only a huge professional honour but a personal one.
“In these increasingly turbulent times in British and global politics, I believe that it is vitally important for academic experts to involve themselves in public debate. We have a responsibility to communicate our knowledge as effectively as possible to as wide a range of people as possible.
“I try to speak about often complex political developments and policy issues in a way which makes them easier for the ordinary person to understand. After all, politics is not just the concern of professional politicians, journalists and academics like me. It affects every aspect of all of our lives. Politics is everyone’s business – and it is an important part of my job to help people understand that.”
The Political Studies Association Awards recognise politicians, academics, journalists, policy makers and artists for their contribution to the practice and study of politics during the past 12 months.
Winners were chosen by a panel of expert judges from a shortlist of nominations by members of the Political Studies Association.
The Political Studies Association exists to develop and promote the study of politics. Founded in 1950, we are the leading association in our field in the United Kingdom, with an international membership including academics in political science and current affairs, theorists and practitioners, policy-makers, researchers and students in higher education.
