Peter specialises in the politics and political economy of climate change and energy and serves as the Environmental Sustainability Theme Lead for SSPF.
Recognised among leading social scientists
International Relations Professor Peter Newell, from the School of Global Studies in the Faculty of Social Sciences, has been elected a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in recognition of his significant contributions to the social sciences.
Fellowship of the Academy honours outstanding social scientists, leading researchers, policy specialists and practitioners. Fellows are elected through an independent peer-review process that recognises excellence in their field and contributions to the social sciences for public benefit.
This spring, 74 new Fellows were elected from 39 UK organisations, comprising 35 higher education institutions, think-tanks, non-profit organisations and the civil service. This group of Fellows also includes individuals based outside the UK, including in Australia and Finland.
Peter’s research and wider contributions
Peter has worked on questions of climate change and energy politics for over 30 years. His research focuses on the global political economy of energy transitions, particularly the phase-out of fossil fuels.
He has undertaken commissioned research and policy work for the governments of the UK, India, Ireland, Sweden and Finland, and for international organisations such as UNDP, GEF, UNCTAD, the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank.
Alongside working for NGOs such as Friends of the Earth and Climate Network Europe, he has collaborated with Carbon Market Watch, Stand.earth, Practical Action, Transparency International and the International Council on Human Rights Policy.
He developed, with his colleague Andrew Simms, the idea for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, which is now a global campaign aimed at stopping the expansion of fossil fuel exploitation and is supported by 18 governments and hundreds of organisations.
Peter also co-founded the Rapid Transition Alliance and, in 2025, he was awarded the BISA prize for his distinguished contribution to International Relations.
He holds board and advisory roles with various environmental organisations and several academic journals, and also serves as the Environmental Sustainability Theme Lead for the Sussex School for Progressive Futures (SSPF).
Peter said: “I am delighted and honoured to have been made a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences for my contributions to social science.
“For me, this award helps to recognise the strengths Sussex has in the social science of environmental change and politics and the challenges of transitioning away from fossil fuels.”
Will Hutton FAcSS, President of the Academy, said: “I’m delighted to welcome these leading social scientists to the Academy’s Fellowship this spring. Their substantial contributions have furthered knowledge and our understanding in tackling a wide range of societal challenges. (…)
“We look forward to working with them to further promote the important role the social sciences play in our daily lives.”
About the Academy
The Academy of Social Sciences is the UK’s national academy of academics, practitioners and learned societies in the social sciences.
Through projects, events, publications, briefings, policy engagement and media commentary, its mission is to promote the social sciences in the UK for public benefit, highlighting their importance for tackling global challenges.