ESRC Society Today

For immediate release - Monday 7th September 2009

Lord Drayson, Minister for Science and Innovation, has appointed one new member to the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).

Professor John Beath is Professor of Economics at the School of Economics and Finance at the University of St. Andrews. Previously Professor Beath held posts at the Universities of Cambridge and Bristol and was a visiting Senior Research Fellow at The Australian National University. In June 2008 Professor Beath was appointed Secretary-General of the Royal Economic Society, only the 9th post-holder in over 100 years. He has a wide range of research interests in economics most recently focused on industrial organisation in particular knowledge transfer between firms and universities, and on taxation policy.

Professor John Beath has been appointed to Council for a period of three years from 1st August 2009 to 31st July 2012.

Two re-appointments have also been made to Council, Professor Michael Lamb and Mr David Walker.
Professor Michael Lamb is Professor of Psychology in the Social Sciences at the University of Cambridge. Previously Professor Lamb held posts at the Universities of Wisconsin, Michigan and Utah. Between 1987 and 2004 Professor Lamb was Senior Research Scientist and Section Chief within the Intramural Research Program at the United States National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Professor Lamb's research has focused on children's behaviour, as well as, most recently, the effects of living conditions on children. His papers on the victims of child abuse and the theoretical aspects of interviewing the children involved have been widely published in many journals.

Professor Michael Lamb has been appointed to Council for a period of two years from 1st August 2009 to 31st July 2011.

Mr David Walker is the Head of Communications at the Audit Commission. Formerly Mr Walker was the editor of Guardian Public, a monthly magazine for senior executives across the public sector. His interests in housing issues has lead to work with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation housing research committee and non-executive directorship of Places for People. Mr Walker is a trustee of the National Centre for Social Research as well as other research advisory committees.

Mr David Walker has been appointed to Council for a period of three years from 1st August 2009 to 31st July 2012.

For further information, contact:

ESRC Press Office:

• Danielle Moore (Tel: 01793 413122, e-mail: danielle.moore@esrc.ac.uk)
• Jeanine Woolley (Tel: 01793 413119, e-mail: jeanine.woolley@esrc.ac.uk)
• Saskia Walcott (Tel: 01793 413149, email: saskia.walcott@esrc.ac.uk)

Notes for editors

1. The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) is the UK's largest organisation for funding research on economic and social issues. It supports independent, high quality research which has an impact on business, the public sector and the third sector. The ESRC's planned total expenditure in 2009/10 is £204 million. At any one time the ESRC supports over 4,000 researchers and postgraduate students in academic institutions and independent research institutes.
2. The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) is building a dynamic and competitive UK economy by: creating the conditions for business success; promoting innovation, enterprise and science; and giving everyone the skills and opportunities to succeed. To achieve this it will foster world-class universities and promote an open global economy. BIS - Investing in our future.
3. These appointments have been made in accordance with the requirements of the Code of the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Professor John Beath and Professor Michael Lamb have not been involved in any relevant political activities in the last five years. David Walker assisted the Labour Party at the last general election. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees' political activity (if any declared) to be made public.
4. The appointees hold no other ministerial appointments.
5. An honorarium of £6,740 per year is currently paid to members and a higher rate of £8,970 is paid to members who chair Boards. Professor Beath will chair the Research Grants Board.