Political scientist Anna Harvey has announced that she will be stepping down from her role as president of the Social Science Research Council (SSRC) on June 30. This news has been met with mixed emotions from the academic community, as Harvey’s leadership and contributions to the field of social science have been invaluable.
Harvey has been at the helm of the SSRC since 2017, and during her tenure, she has made significant strides in advancing the organization’s mission of promoting social science research and its impact on society. Under her leadership, the SSRC has launched several new initiatives, including the Just Tech program, which focuses on the intersection of technology and social justice, and the Anxieties of Democracy program, which examines the challenges facing democratic societies.
Harvey’s decision to step down was not an easy one, but she believes it is the right time for the SSRC to have new leadership. In a statement, she said, “It has been an honor to serve as president of the SSRC and work alongside such talented and dedicated individuals. However, I believe it is time for someone else to take the reins and continue to move the organization forward.”
During her time as president, Harvey has been a strong advocate for the social sciences and their role in addressing some of the most pressing issues facing our world today. She has been a vocal supporter of interdisciplinary research and has encouraged collaboration between different fields to tackle complex social problems.
Harvey’s departure will undoubtedly leave a void in the SSRC, but her legacy will continue to inspire and guide the organization. Her commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the social sciences has been a driving force behind the SSRC’s initiatives, and her efforts have helped to create a more inclusive and equitable research community.
Under Harvey’s leadership, the SSRC has also expanded its global reach, partnering with organizations and institutions around the world to promote international collaboration and exchange of ideas. This has not only enriched the research landscape but has also helped to bridge cultural and societal divides.
Harvey’s departure comes at a critical time for the social sciences, as they face challenges such as declining funding and skepticism about their relevance. However, her legacy and the work of the SSRC will continue to demonstrate the vital role that social science research plays in shaping our understanding of the world and informing policy decisions.
The search for a new president of the SSRC is currently underway, and the organization is committed to finding a leader who will build upon Harvey’s accomplishments and continue to advance the field of social science. In the meantime, Harvey will continue to serve as a professor of politics at New York University, where she has been a faculty member since 2003.
As we bid farewell to Anna Harvey, we must also celebrate her many achievements and contributions to the social sciences. Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping the SSRC into a leading organization in the field, and her dedication and passion for social science research will continue to inspire future generations.
In conclusion, Anna Harvey’s departure as president of the SSRC marks the end of an era, but her impact and legacy will continue to shape the organization and the social sciences for years to come. We thank her for her service and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.
