- Professor Helen Wood will join from the University of Lancaster in September 2023
- She was previously head of the School of Media, Communication and Sociology at the University of Leicester
- She is author of numerous books and articles on media, gender and class formation.
Aston University has announced the appointment of the former European Journal of Cultural Studies editor, Professor Helen Wood.
Helen joined as a professor in media and cultural studies within the Sociology and Policy department of the College of Business and Social Sciences on 1 September 2023.
She moves from the University of Lancaster, and was previously head of the School of Media, Communication and Sociology at the University of Leicester.
Helen is the author of numerous books and articles on media, gender and class formation, including Talking With Television (Illinois), Reacting to Reality Television with Beverley Skeggs (Routledge) and Audience (forthcoming).
She was editor of the European Journal of Cultural Studies from 2010-2023 and sits on the editorial boards of Feminist Media Studies, Television and New Media and Critical Studies in Television.
Helen was special adviser to the 2019 Parliamentary Inquiry into reality television and is principal investigator of the AHRC UKRI Grant ‘RE-Care TV: Reality television, working practices and duties of care’ (with partners: DCMS select committee, BECTU and Equity).
She said:
“I am really thrilled to be joining the department of Sociology and Social Policy at Aston University at an exciting time for the department and the College.
“Birmingham is bursting with creative energy and I’m excited to explore relationships between the university and the creative sector in my home city.”
Professor Zoe Radnor, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean of the College of Business and Social Sciences at Aston University, said:
“I am delighted to welcome Helen to Aston University.
“With her extensive experience, she brings valuable insights to our institution.
“We are thrilled she is joining us during this exciting time for our department and the College.
“Her expertise and passion for exploring relationships between the University and the creative sector in Birmingham will contribute to the vibrant creative energy of our home city.”
- Notes to Editors
About Aston University
Founded in 1895 and a university since 1966, Aston is a long established university led by its three main beneficiary groups – students, business and the professions, and the West Midlands region and wider society. Located in Birmingham at the heart of a vibrant city, the campus houses all the University’s academic, social and accommodation facilities for our students. Professor Aleks Subic is the Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive.
Aston University is ranked 22nd in the UK in the Guardian University Guide, based on measures including entry standards, student satisfaction, research quality and graduate prospects. The Aston Business School MBA programme was ranked in the top 100 in the world in the Economist MBA 2021 ranking.
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
