- Professor Mark McCormack will play a pivotal role in shaping research strategy and activities in the College of Business and Social Sciences
- He is currently a professor of social sciences in the School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Roehampton
- His research examines how social trends related to gender and sexuality map onto individuals’ everyday experiences.
Aston University has announced the appointment of Professor Mark McCormack as the new deputy dean for research within its College of Business and Social Sciences.
Professor McCormack will play a pivotal role in shaping the College's research strategy and activities to ensure sustainable research development, efficient implementation, high quality outputs and impactful engagement. He will join at the end of December 2023.
He is a gender and sexuality expert and his research examines how social trends related to gender and sexuality map onto everyday experiences of individuals, particularly young people. His work also explores drag cultures, the night-time economy and the interface of sexuality with illicit drug use.
Mark is currently a professor of social sciences in the School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Roehampton, and director of the Centre for Equality, Justice and Social Change.
He was previously an associate professor at Durham University, where he co-directed its Centre for Sex, Gender and Sexuality.
He has a longstanding collaboration with harm reduction organisation The Loop and is chair of the Editorial Board of Sociology and a consulting editor for Journal of Sex Research.
Professor McCormack said:
“I am delighted to be joining Aston University in the New Year.
“I am dedicated to encouraging and nurturing innovation and teamwork within our faculty, endorsing meaningful and long-lasting research across our departments and taking on a crucial role in the effective execution of the Aston 2030 strategy.
“Understanding the complexities of gender and sexuality is crucial for creating a more inclusive and equitable society. It's through research and dialogue that we can challenge stereotypes and pave the way for true acceptance and understanding.”
Professor Zoe Radnor, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean for the College of Business and Social Sciences at Aston University, said:
“I look forward to welcoming Professor McCormack to the College and wider University.
“Mark has a proven track record of successful research and brings a wealth of experience in leadership, management and innovation to the position.
“His expertise will be instrumental in driving sustainable research development, ensuring high-quality outputs and fostering impactful engagement.
“We are confident that he will make significant contributions to the advancement of research within the College and beyond.”
- Notes to Editors
For over a century, Aston University’s enduring purpose has been to make our world a better place through education, research and innovation, by enabling our students to succeed in work and life, and by supporting our communities to thrive economically, socially and culturally.
Aston University’s history has been intertwined with the history of Birmingham, a remarkable city that once was the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and the manufacturing powerhouse of the world.
Born out of the First Industrial Revolution, Aston University has a proud and distinct heritage dating back to our formation as the School of Metallurgy in 1875, the first UK College of Technology in 1951, gaining university status by Royal Charter in 1966, and becoming The Guardian University of the Year in 2020.
Building on our outstanding past, we are now defining our place and role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world.
For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Sam Cook, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44) 7446 910063 or email: s.cook2@aston.ac.uk
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