Recognising academic excellence

One of the University's leading social scientists has been awarded one of the highest accolades in his field.

Professor Srikant Sarangi from the School of English, Communication and Philosophy has been appointed Academician of the Academy of Social Sciences for his outstanding contribution to the field of social sciences.

As an Academician Professor Sarangi will help support the Academy's mission of promoting social sciences for the public benefit by helping to respond to Government consultations on behalf of the social science community, organise events and seminars and sponsor a number of schemes that promote the subject area.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Riordan said: "Professor Sarangi's appointment to this very distinguished Academy reflects highly not only on him personally but also on the University. It highlights once again that Cardiff is one of the most respected institutions for social science teaching and research in the UK."

Srikant Sarangi is Professor of Language and Communication in the School of English, Communication and Philosophy. His main research interests are discourse analysis, applied linguistics and language and identity in public life.

Professor Sarangi is also Director of the Health Communication Research Centre which is an interdisciplinary initiative within the University which co-ordinates communication- and discourse-based research in the broad area of health and social care in Wales and beyond.

Since its inception in 1997 the Centre has become internationally renowned for its research, professional development and outreach activities which are targeted at healthcare professionals across all disciplines.

Speaking about his election Professor Sarangi said: "This recognition has come at a time when practice-based language/communication research in the healthcare domain is becoming impactful. With regard to healthcare delivery, language/communication matters cannot be taken for granted. In terms of professional skills training, however, one needs to move away from a mentality of one language/communication size fits all situations.

"The challenge is to envisage language/communication as integral to (re)humanising healthcare in the increasingly globalised and linguistically/culturally diverse society."

Professor Cary Cooper CBE, Chair of the Academy, added: "It is so important for the social sciences to have a strong and comprehensive voice able to represent its crucial work."

Professor Sarangi joins a long list of distinguished university social scientists who have received the award of academician. Previous award winners include Professor Dylan Jones, Pro-Vice Chancellor, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences; Professor Terry Marsden, Director of the Sustainable Places Research Institute and Professor Richard Wyn Jones, Director of the Wales Governance Centre.