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29 Jun 2010 16:24:04
Professor David Kirk, Alexander Chair in Physical Education and Sport, had a beaming smile this week after becoming an Academician of the Academy of Social Sciences.
The Academy promotes excellence and encourages the advancement of social sciences in the UK to the Government, as well as public and private sector organisations. Academician status is conferred on scholars and practitioners for their outstanding achievement in their field and commitment to the aims of the Academy.
Professor Kirk is picking up the award in person at the Academy’s AGM tomorrow (Wednesday, 30 June) at the UK headquarters of Amnesty International in New Inn Yard, London.
This follows a special reception to mark the event at the Bedford campus yesterday (Monday, 28 June). The Vice Chancellor, Professor Les Ebdon CBE, was joined by the Chancellor, Baroness Howells, governors, Professor Kirk’s colleagues from the Department of PE and Sport Studies and his research students, plus one very special guest.
Eileen Alexander, who turned 99 in April, is the former Principal of Bedford College of Physical Education and founder of the Alexander Trust. The Alexander Chair is named in her honour.
Professor Kirk said: “I’m delighted to receive this award, although it’s not why you enter the world of academia to win awards. It’s actually quite nice to be recognised however.
“I’m very pleased that the Vice Chancellor ran the event at Bedford; I don’t think we celebrate people’s achievements enough in a lot of universities.”
Professor Kirk was nominated to the Academy by the British Educational Research Association (BERA) and he is one of only five educational researchers to be selected in this biannual awards process.
He became the Alexander Chair of Physical Education and Sport, based in the Faculty of Education and Sport at the Bedford campus, a year ago in June 2009.
This involves leading the development of research in physical education and sport pedagogy (the study of teaching and learning). He works closely with both staff and research students, connects the University to national and international research networks, and works with local schools and teachers, coaches and sports clubs to add value through research to the educational and sporting experiences they provide for youngsters.
Professor Kirk joined from Leeds Metropolitan University where he was Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research) and Professor of Physical Education and Youth Sport and, from 2005-08, Dean of the Carnegie Faculty of Sport and Education.
He also holds an Honorary Chair in Human Movement Studies at the University of Queensland, Australia, and is Guest Professor at Ghent University in Belgium.
A Fellow of the Physical Education Association, Professor Kirk has published widely on educational change, physical education and youth sport. His research interests include young people’s experiences of community-based sport, schooling bodies, curriculum change in physical education, and situated learning in physical education and sport.
The University of Bedfordshire is the UK’s largest provider of physical education teacher training.
Previously, a Research Professor in Media and Politics at the University was also an Academician. Professor Ivor Gaber was recognised for his outstanding contribution to social sciences in January 2009.
Professor Michael Preston-Shoot, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, and Professor Cara Aitchison, former Dean of the Faculty of Education and Sport, are also members of the Academy.
The top photo shows, left to right: Professor Les Ebdon CBE, Eileen Alexander, Professor David Kirk, Baroness Howells and Paddy Barrett (board member, Alexander Trust).
The bottom photo shows, left to right: Professor Les Ebdon CBE, Professor Marilyn Leask (new Dean, Faculty of Education and Sport), Professor David Kirk and Baroness Howells.
Latest news» 2010» June» Academy recognition for Professor Kirk
