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Nandini Gooptu, Diego Sanchez-Ancochea appointed to Social Sciences Division leadership team

We are delighted to announce that Professor Nandini Gooptu and Professor Diego Sanchez-Ancochea have both been appointed to the Social Sciences Division leadership team.

Professor Diego Sánchez-Ancochea has been appointed as Associate Head of Division (People). The position provides strategic leadership in the employment of academic and research staff, supporting the recruitment and retention of an outstanding and diverse academic community, and the development of the next generation of social scientists. Diego is Professor of the Political Economy of Development and Head of Department at ODID. He specialises in the political economy of Latin America with a particular focus on Central America. His research interests centre on the determinants of income inequality and the role of social policy in reducing it. Diego joined the division this April.

Professor Sánchez-Ancochea said: 'I am delighted to join the Social Sciences Division team under Timothy Power's leadership and look forward to working with departments in all personnel issues. At a time of growing workloads and high inflation it is more important than ever to support all our colleagues and create the best environment possible for all.'

Professor Nandini Gooptu has been appointed to the new position of Associate Head of Division (Equality, Diversity & Inclusion). The position will provide strategic leadership and senior academic oversight of equality and diversity policy and promote an inclusive organisational culture across the division. Nandini is Associate Professor of South Asian Studies at ODID and a fellow of St Antony's College. Trained as a social historian, Nandini's current research is concerned with social and political transformation and cultural change in contemporary India in the wake of economic liberalisation and globalisation. Nandini joins the division this autumn.

Professor Gooptu said: 'My goal is to bring about institutional and systemic change that will promote an inclusive and hospitable environment in which all staff and students feel able to achieve their full potential and enjoy a sense of belonging and ownership within the Collegiate University. I hope to build on current EDI initiatives in the University, work closely with colleagues in the Division and in all our departments, and draw on the inspiring work of many staff and students who have been striving to achieve equality and diversity in a variety of ways.'