Manchester Academics recognised by the Political Studies Association

Professor of Political Science, Maria Sobolewksa and Politics PhD graduate, Dr Anna Sanders have both been recognised as the Political Studies Association (PSA) announces its academic prizes for 2020-21.

Prof Sobolewska has been awarded the Joni Lovenduski prize for outstanding professional achievement by a mid-career scholar, named after the pioneering feminist political scientist who founded the Centre for the Study of British Politics and Public Life at Birkbeck, University of London.

The panel said, “Maria’s record of achievement attests to an extraordinarily gifted scholar who is producing work that is both of enormous academic importance but is also having clear and substantial impacts well beyond the academy. The judges were particularly struck by the range and high quality of Prof Sobolewska’s published output. When combined with her highly significant engagement with policymakers and her extremely impressive record in developing the next generation of scholars, the panel was agreed that Prof Sobolewska was a very worthy winner of this prize.”

Prof Sobolewska said, "It is very nice to win a prize, but to me the best thing about winning the Joni Lovenduski prize is who it is named after. Joni is an absolute inspiration, and a huge influence on my research, and I am just extremely honoured to have my name mentioned next to Joni's."

PhD graduate Dr Anna Sanders received the McDougall Trust Prize for elections, electoral systems and representation for her doctoral thesis “The impact of gendered policies on women's voting behaviour: An analysis of the 2015 UK General Election”.The panel said, “This is a stellar example of a PhD substantively driving forward contemporary understanding of elections, electoral systems and representation. The thesis makes a very strong contribution, identifying a clear gap in the literature and making interventions at the empirical, theoretical and methodological level. The contribution to knowledge is detailed and precise, showing real attention to detail and developed thinking. The thesis is exceptionally well written and clear to follow, offering an exemplary illustration of how PhD theses should be done.”

Dr Sanders said, “I’m absolutely delighted to be this year’s recipient of the McDougall Trust prize. I hope that my thesis will provide practical and valuable insights both for future research, and raising awareness around the impact of economic policies on women. I’m especially grateful to my supervisors, Professor Francesca Gains and Professor Maria Sobolewska, for their outstanding guidance, support and mentorship throughout my PhD.”