Prestigious fellowship for University professor

A senior leader at Teesside University has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA).

Professor Mark Simpson, Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning & Teaching), joins the network, whose members use their work and research to benefit the community and society.

Founded in 1754, the RSA was granted a Royal Charter in 1847 and there are now over 27,000 Fellows in more than 80 countries.

The RSA supports Fellows in developing local networks and initiatives and through the RSA Catalyst Programme, it provides money and expertise to Fellow-led ideas that aim to have a positive social impact.

Professor Simpson was awarded his doctorate in 2003 and has written and researched in the fields of youth crime, youth justice and drug use. He is also a director of the British Society of Criminology, a Prince’s Trust Local Ambassador and a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Commenting on his RSA Fellowship, Professor Simpson said: 'The RSA is committed to finding solutions to social challenges and I am delighted to have been made a Fellow of this historic and important society. 'It is a great honour for both myself and the University and I am looking forward to joining a network of people from a wide range of backgrounds who are all dedicated to using their work to build a better society.'

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