In recognition of his outstanding contributions to sociology, Professor Alex Broom, Director of the Sydney Centre for Healthy Societies, has been elected as Fellow of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia.
Professor Broom is renowned as an international leader in sociology, with a specific focus on health and care. His research looks at how health is shaped by the world around us, from social norms to politics and economics, and how people respond to those forces in their everyday lives.
“I’m deeply honoured by this recognition,” Professor Broom said.
“For me, the social sciences are at their best when they reveal the lived realities beneath systems of care and sites of harm, and help us imagine new possibilities for solidarity and collective healing. That’s the thread that has run through my career and will continue to guide the work I do.”
The Academy has appointed 22 distinguished social science leaders as new Fellows in 2025. Elected by their peers through a rigorous selection process, these scholars have demonstrated excellence in social science research and made outstanding contributions across a diverse range of fields, including public health, law, economics, sociology and environmental sustainability.
“The appointment of all new Fellows to the Academy is a recognition of their remarkable contributions to the social sciences as researchers, policy leaders and public intellectuals,” Academy President Professor Kate Darian-Smith said.
“This year’s cohort exemplifies the Academy’s mission to support and amplify the voices of social science researchers working on the critical issues facing Australia and the world.”
Bridging research, policy and practice in healthcare
Throughout his career, Professor Broom has worked together with communities, government, and industry, securing more than $30 million in competitive research funding.
He founded the Sydney Centre for Healthy Societies, a dynamic hub of interdisciplinary research that now connects over 400 members across five countries. He also leads society and environment research at the Charles Perkins Centre where he supports work focused on the inseparability of context and disease.
Professor Broom plays a key role in shaping health and social research policy across Australasia. He serves on the Australian Research Council’s College of Experts (2021–25), where he was Deputy Chair (SBE), and recently led as Co-Chair for the Health Research Council of New Zealand (2018–2024). His leadership has helped steer major funding decisions and research priorities across the region.
His global influence is reflected in his appointments at prestigious institutions including UC Berkeley, King’s College London, the University of Vienna, the University of British Columbia and Paris Dauphine University.
Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Professor Lisa Adkins commended Professor Broom’s election to the Academy.
“On behalf of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, I am delighted to congratulate Professor Alex Broom on his election as a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia,” she said.
“This prestigious honour is a testament to Professor Broom’s extraordinary contributions to sociology and his international leadership in the study of health, illness and care. His person-centred approach to understanding the social, political and economic dimensions of health has advanced scholarly knowledge while meaningfully shaping policy and improving lives worldwide.”
“Professor Broom’s election is richly deserved recognition of his pioneering research and unwavering commitment to understanding the lived experiences of individuals navigating health and care systems,” said Professor Azrini Wahidin, Head of the School of Social and Political Sciences.
“His work exemplifies the impact that rigorous, compassionate social science can have on society. I look forward to Professor Broom’s continued contributions to transforming health outcomes for years to come.”
