New Year CBE celebrations for leading Stirling academic

A renowned University of Stirling economics expert has been awarded a CBE in the latest New Year’s Honours list.

David Bell, Professor of Economics, will receive the honour for services to economics and public policy.

University Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Gerry McCormac said: “As a long-standing member of our academic community, David has made an outstanding contribution to the work of the University.

Professor David Bell

“As well as positioning the University as a leading authority in the field of economics, he has played an instrumental role in shaping government policy.

“This award represents fitting acknowledgement of David’s achievements and contribution to society and I am delighted to be able to congratulate him on behalf of the University community.”

Professor Bell said: “This is a great and unexpected honour. I would like to thank my family, my colleagues at Stirling and my teachers at Dornoch Academy, Golspie High School, Aberdeen University and the London School of Economics for their support.”

Professor Bell joined the University of Stirling in 1990, specialising in labour economics and fiscal federalism. Since then, he has provided advice to the Scottish, UK and Irish Governments, including acting as specialist adviser to the House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee for its investigation into the Financing of Devolution.

He has been a regular witness at Parliamentary Committees, both at Holyrood and Westminster, and is regularly consulted by the media for his views on economic issues, including the health of the labour market, the fiscal implications of constitutional change and the funding of education and long-term care.

Professor Bell is currently leading a new landmark study conducted by the University of Stirling to improve the lives of Scotland’s older population by providing policymakers with a comprehensive insight into the economic, health and social circumstances of older Scots.

The Healthy Ageing in Scotland (HAGIS) study collected data from 1,000 Scots over the age of 50 – providing a wealth of information that will inform, influence and support the debate around how the country tackles problems posed by its ageing population.

The honour follows an earlier announcement that Professor Bell has been appointed Vice-President for the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences of the Royal Society of Edinburgh’s Council. He will serve for the 2017/2018 session, commencing in April 2018. He is also an Honorary Fellow of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.

Other members across the University community were also honoured for their outstanding contribution.  Among the University of Stirling alumni recognised, Professor Lesley Sawers (PhD, Business Studies, 1986), Equality and Human Rights commissioner for Scotland, received an OBE for services to business and equality.  Karen Vivienne Morrison (BA English/Education, 1998) also received an MBE for services to the Children's Hearings System in Scotland and the community in North Lanarkshire.